In today’s society, it’s easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of everyday life. We are constantly inundated with work, family, and social obligations. We are so focused on keeping all the balls in the air that it becomes all we see. So often, recharging yourself doesn’t even make it on the list, or it can be difficult.
But it’s important to make time for yourself, especially in times of high stress. Our boundaries have become blurred between work and home, so prioritizing time for mental and physical relaxation is essential if you want to not only feel your best but show up as your best self too.
So what happens if you don’t make time to recharge? You may notice yourself sliding down that slippery slope of feeling burned out. Maybe your productivity is suffering, and you just can’t get it done. You might feel ambivalent and just not care anymore about the important things. Perhaps your concentration is shot, or your emotions are out of proportion to what is happening. And, if left unchecked, it can physically harm your body.
So what can you do? Good question! There are many different ways to relax and recharge. Here are seven tips to help you more easily incorporate recharging yourself:
Here are 7 Ways to Recharge Yourself
- Take a break from technology
Is the news ticking you off? That’s a sign. Take a break from technology. That could be anything from reducing social media consumption to turning off the evening news to hiding the notification on the news apps. You’ll hear if something happens and you need to know about it. This is also more than unplugging from external news; it’s unplugging your devices. Agree to put your electronic devices away at a particular time and stick to it.
- Spend time outdoors
There is nothing like getting outdoors to shift our perspective. Eat lunch outside in the sunshine, or schedule a walking meeting instead of sitting in a conference room or your office. Try eating lunch or dinner outdoors or at least having coffee (or tea) outside in the morning before you start your day. Go to the water and connect or look into forest bathing. How about some stargazing before you go to bed. Being out in nature has a way of putting our problems and worries into perspective.
- Do something you enjoy
What brings you joy? Is it music? Create a playlist to inspire you. Is it art? Head to a museum or pick up a paintbrush. Is it dance? Take a class or just dance in your kitchen while making dinner; that’s what I do! Take a drive, plant a garden, go to the beach, or take the time to watch a hilariously funny movie!
- Exercise
Move your body. It doesn’t have to be a sweat-inducing CrossFit session; it can be an easy walk or gentle bike ride too. Exercise releases endorphins, which have mood-boosting effects. A moderate amount of exercise is the key to maintaining your mental health and well-being. Consider yoga, which can be done just about anywhere (goats, anyone?) Where would you like to hike? What groups can you join that would help you stay accountable for the exercise you enjoy? A health club? Jazzercize? Something else? Look into what will serve you.
- Get enough sleep
Oh my! Yes! Nothing can ruin my day faster than when I don’t get enough sleep. And, as a woman of a certain age, I find that sleep gets harder to get enough of. You have to be more intentional about it. Consider setting an earlier bedtime, changing your bedroom environment to eliminate blue light and your devices, eat earlier, so your food isn’t still digesting when your head hits the pillow. Oh, and reduce alcohol consumption because the sugar spike will catch up with you at about 3 am.
- Eat healthy foods
What foods does your body want? Consider what will fuel it, and I don’t mean your cravings. Eating nutritious foods helps your body to function at its best. Make sure to include plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains in your diet. I just released 60 pounds of weight and learned so much about what my body wants as fuel. I learned that whole food (not processed), seafood, fish, and cooked vegetables serve me best. I focus on healthy fats and, yes, the occasional treats when I choose, and my body is happy. When your body is happy you feel better and have much more energy (and less pain) not just physically but mentally, emotionally, and spiritually too.
- Connect with loved ones
Who are the people that you love? Who are the people who bring you joy just by being connected with them in your life? This may be family (or maybe not…), or it may be the family that you choose. The sister from another mother, so to speak. For me, that’s my family and the high-vibe people who are in my tribe! Spending time with loved ones can help reduce stress and promote positive emotions. Whether you stay in touch via text, social media, or in person, quality time with those you care about is crucial for a healthy mind and body.
It’s important to find a balance between work and leisure. Make sure to schedule some time each day or week to relax and recharge. This will ensure that you’re making time to relax on a regular basis, and your mind and body will thank you for it!
Until the next time, here’s wishing you the Clarity (and recharging) that you deserve!
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