I know we all think at one time or another I need to take a break right now, everything around us seems stressful, you would love some sun on your skin, because you want to recharge! However, so many of us are all guilty of not giving ourselves time off.
Why? Probably because you’ve always got too much to do. You have the children to organise, work, meetings to attend, a house to keep tidy, pets to sort out and don’t mention a social life! Everything can just feel so stressful sometimes.
However, this ‘rushing’ around lifestyle that we all seem to have adopted simply isn’t doing out health any favours. Let alone our relationships with friends or family. It simply makes life even more stressful.
It’s up to us as individuals to start to take responsibility of our own wellbeing when it comes to taking things a bit more slowly and not putting as much pressure on ourselves.
Sometimes we know there are better ways to do things or simply a more logical way to do things, but we’re just so busy we don’t even think we have the time to find it–so we keep going like we always have, repeating the same patterns.
But…there are some effective small changes you can make to your everyday routine that can really help you feel more organised and ensure you take the breaks we need. More importantly, they’ll help you to learn how to handle stress effectively and how to relax more.
Write Things Down And Don’t Rely On Your Memory Or Other People To Remind You
Make small lists of things that need doing whether it be at home, at work, with the children etc. Do not make the list too big otherwise you will wander from it and dismiss it.
Make A Rota For Cleaning And Household Jobs – Because We All Know How Stressful These Jobs Are
Involve the children and make it fun. If you need to offer a reward system then do so. Whether it be your partner or your teenagers make sure everyone has just 2-3 small tasks a week as this will make the weekend a lot freer for everyone. (Mainly You!)
Practice Putting Things Away Immediately
From anything such as a book, trainers, photo albums, clothes just doing it immediately will give you a sense of accomplishment.
Get A Task Management App on Your Smartphone
There are so many now to choose from but you only need a simple one, store those lists on them. Reminders will prompt you and you can add to it on the move so you don’t forget that important date again!
Put things where they work for you:
Vitamins by the juice glasses, coat hooks in the garage next to the car. Glasses by the door as you don’t forget them on the way to work. Spare pair of shoes and a waterproof jacket in the boot of the car. Pre-empting situation can mean that if you are in a rush or have an unexpected hiccup in your day you are prepared for it.
Schedule a night out away from the children at least once a month.
Yes, we know you all love your baby’s dearly however can you remember the last time you and your partner had a proper conversation or a night off together?
Make sure that break away is booked in now! Whether it be 4,6,12 months away. We all need that something to look forward to.
JUST STOP! Yes, that’s right. Just stop and breathe.
When everything around you seems crazy, stressful, busy, hectic and frantic, you need to remove yourself from that situation. Take ten minutes to either go for a walk whether it just be down the road and back or sit in your bedroom and close your eyes.
Whilst taking these ten minutes you need to soothe your mind and body and a great way to do that is by doing some simple breathing exercises. A deep breathe in through the nose to the count of four, hold for 6 and out through your mouth for 8. Try it just for a few minutes and you will feel the difference.
Meditation! Ten minutes in the morning or at night or both; it all helps.
There are some great guided meditations online that you can listen to and enjoy. Do not do these when you will be disturbed or driving etc. Time to close your eyes and relax every part of your body followed by quietening the mind can be all you need to make you feel more focused and relaxed.
Listen to Music!
Yes, that’s right, dance and sing in the kitchen! Let loose and be silly! Release those happy hormones for an instant feel good moment!