Take a bath
Don’t just take a bath, try to do it up with some candles. Add some bubbles or even a fun bath bomb. Put on some music or bring in a book. Whatever you do, just use the time to really soak in the relaxation. (pun intended)
Get outside
Sometimes we find ourselves stuck in the house or the office and the only time we get to spend outside is when we’re rushing to our car to zoom off to the next appointment or responsibility. But outside time can give you that energetic boost of fresh air and a dose of Vitamin D. There is evidence to suggest that it calms anxiety, reduces stress, and could even boost creativity!
Listen to music
Music can be an instant mood booster. The research says that it can increase levels of dopamine (the love hormone) in your brain as well as lower cortisol (the stress hormone) which is pretty amazing. You know the feeling… you’re having a bad day and your favorite song comes on the radio and you instantly feel better. That’s exactly what the research is talking about!
Exercise
I’m a huge fan of moving your body in ways that are fun and feel good to you. There’s no rule that says you have to sweat a gallon of sweat or be sore in order for your exercise to “count” as exercise. Something as simple as a dance party with your friends or family is a great way to move your body and have fun at the same time. Neighborhood walks, yoga classes, Zumba, anything you want can be an awesome way to get in some movement today.
Mediate
I’ve heard people say, “I just can’t meditate.” That always makes me so sad because it’s just like anything else in life, you have to practice. It might be difficult to quiet your mind at first. I mean, we all have so much going on that it makes sense that it’s not easy to quiet all those to-do’s and worries. But trust me when I say, the more you practice, the easier it’ll get for you. But you have to start somewhere.
Read
If you’re struggling to quiet your mind through meditation, reading might be another option for you. It’s a way to focus on the page in front of you and get lost in the words on the page. While you’re busy doing that the worries of the day and the anxiety will be put on the back burner. And don’t feel like you need to choose self-help books, you can grab whatever will get you reading. If that’s a romance novel or a memoir, choose what you want, so you’ll actually stick to it.