It’s no secret that people today are busier than ever. Some people have to work more than one job to make ends meet. Others are full-time students while also working full-time. And having a family alone can take up nearly every minute of your day. I get it! Is it really a surprise that so many of us are burnt out and running on auto-pilot? Heck, I’m no stranger to the struggle bus myself!

I asked a friend the other day when was the last time she took some for herself and actually did something she wanted to do. I waited a bit for her response, and she said she couldn’t remember but probably last Spring. You guys, its February 2020. I was in shock! And my friend is just maintaining and enduring her stress. She says she simply doesn’t have the time. Moreover, she isn’t the only who feels this way. I find it unacceptable to think we have to accept this way of living.

• In the last year, have you taken a vacation, even just a day or two?
• In the last month, have you spent a few hours indulging in a hobby?
• In the last week, have you moved your body 3 or more times?
• In the last 24 hours, have you eaten a balanced meal and slept 6 or more hours?
• In the last hour, have you drank a full glass of water?
• In the last 5 minutes, have you taken a deep breath?

Today, there are more cases of anxiety and depression than ever before. I find that alarming, but not surprising. And, I want to help you feel like you’re thriving and not just surviving life.

So, I’m going to share some tips with you to help you get going on the path to finally enjoying more of your life. Remember, I know you’re busy and that to-do list is ever lasting. That’s why I’ve organized my tips by how long it takes to complete them, and I promise there is something that you can fit into your schedule today.

I also know how diverse and individual we all are, so I’ve come up with all-inclusive answers to your stress dilemma. Together, we can help minimize overwhelm and maximize wellness. Sound good? Let’s dive in!

Start small first to build a wellness foundation and then work your way up at your own pace. There’s no deadline or arbitrary timeline. When you feel like you have a good foundation, move on to the next step. Or, you can mix it up and try a few tools at once. It’s really up to you. You’re in control!

If you are fortunate enough to take a week vacation and do something or go somewhere, then book that ticket and make those reservations! But, if you are unable to currently afford that, I still have some great solutions to get you back in great spirits.

Okay, start small! Let’s say you have 5 minutes. I think it’s safe to say we all have 5 minutes to spare in our day. If you think you don’t, then we need to chat because that’s an extreme belief. Anyway, moving on.

Below, I’ve listed game changing habits you can incorporate into life. I’ve arranged them based on how much time you have to dedicate to self care.

1 Minute:

• drink a glass of water
• recite an affirmation
• hold a plank
• practice squats or crunches for a minute and aim to beat that number every day

5 Minutes:

• meditation- set a timer and practice any form of meditation you like for 5 minutes
• pranayama- this breathing practice is scientifically proven to reduce stress instantly
• blast your favorite song and dance from start to finish
• brush your teeth AND floss, did you know oral health is linked to heart health?

15 Minutes:

• journal- tidy up your mental space by writing down every random thing that pops in your head
• write a letter- address it to a friend and gush about all the things you love about them, or write one to yourself to read on a hard day!
• perform your skin care routine
• savor a cup of tea

20 Minutes:

• walk around the block and don’t check your phone!
• read a few pages of that book you’ve been putting off
• take a bath
• prep for the next day- make your breakfast, lay out your clothes, pack your lunch, prep the coffee maker, etc

60 Minutes:

• get a full workout in- yoga class, cardio, weightlifting, spin class, etc
• clean an entire room top to bottom
• tackle an art project

2 Hours:

• catch up with a friend over lunch
• meal prep for the week
• wash, fold and put away your laundry

If you have a day to yourself, take a trip somewhere, like the beach or the mountains. If you have the weekend, I encourage you to take an overnight trip and act like a tourist.

 

Take care of yourself, friends! You’re worth it.