Whether you’re dealing with a big work deadline, mile-long task list, or a few cranky kids, one thing is certain: You’re feeling overwhelmed. And when we’re overwhelmed, we tend to feel helpless, thinking there’s nothing we can do.
But that’s not true. We can ease our big feelings and feel good throughout the day by turning to a few small, simple practices.
Consider these well-being tips to help reduce your anxiety, boost your mood, and tend to your needs morning, noon, and night.
When you find one that works for you, consider building it into your daily routine.
Morning boosters:
You’ve heard it many times, and it’s true: Starting the morning off on the right foot sets a positive tone for the rest of the day.
Begin with a win:
Small actions add up. The act of accomplishing even the tiniest task builds momentum and boosts your self-confidence.
So, start your day off with a win or two. Small wins can be super simple, he notes, such as:
making your bed
making a delicious cup of coffee
go for a walk
Delay using your phone:
Consider keeping your phone outside your bedroom overnight. This way, you’re not tempted to reach for it when you first open your eyes in the morning.
Replace social and scrolling with gratitude. Let yourself marvel at the magic all around you — big or small.
Write down a few things you’re grateful for:
Savour some encouragement:
We often focus on the negative or how much work we might have ahead of us. To start your day with a dose of positivity, read some encouraging words, like:
kind texts from friends
birthday cards from family
inspirational quotes
a meaningful passage from a favourite book
Afternoon boosters:
Weekdays may feel like a big blur of work, errands, and chores, easily upping your frustration and stress levels. But you don’t have to get sucked into the storm — at least not for too long.
There are some strategies you can try to give yourself that boost in the afternoon.
Set timers to conquer big tasks.
When you’re staring down a mountain of to-dos, you might find yourself becoming anxious and burnt out — leading you to procrastinate on the very tasks you’re stressed about doing.
To make progress, pick one task to focus on and set a timer for 5, 10, 15, or 30 minutes, or whatever time feels most manageable to you. After the timer goes off, check in with yourself to see if you’d like to keep going — whether you do or don’t, acknowledge your accomplishment.
Take a restorative walk:
Walking is a wonderful way to break up the day — even if you have only a few minutes. You will feel:
more energy
improved mood
less fatigue
There are also other proven benefits of walking, such as:
decreasing your chance of heart disease
easing join paint
reducing anxiety, depression, and negative mood
helping you think creatively
While taking your walk, focus on your environment using your five senses. Pick out:
five things you see
four things you hear
three things you smell
two things you touch
one thing you taste
Take a power nap:
When you need a reset in the middle of the day, power naps are an excellent practice. Naps can boost our energy, stamina, productivity, and mood, as well as reduce stress and anxiety.
If a nap isn’t an option, take a few minutes to simply sit back in your chair and close your eyes.
Let yourself blossom!
Ricardina x
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