Trying to find time for ourselves as we’re busy running around can be a huge challenge. But for our physical and mental well-being it is vital for us to take a few minutes each day to recharge our batteries to find the energy to get on with whatever lies ahead. Here are nine simple and easy-to-achieve ways to refuel:
Walk outside for a few minutes (or more)
If you can escape to the countryside that’s great, but if not a trip to the park, a walk along the canal — or down by the sea — is a great way to refuel the body and mind. Walking is not only a great way to exercise all parts of the body it is also thought to reduce heart disease and strengthen bones. After just a few steps, we clear our minds and awaken our senses. Depending on the environment, we can make the most of the beautiful daylight and breathe in the odors of plant life or the sea air, and if we stop to listen, we can soak up the surrounding sounds.
Sleep or take a little nap
Often far from our priorities, sleeping is the first reflex to have if you want to re-energize and maintain good health. A good sleep is synonymous with with rest, and therefore, well-being. After a good night’s sleep, or nap, batteries will be fully charged.
Pray
In the morning when you wake up, at bedtime, or at any moment in the day, prayer is the chance to take that spiritual pause during the daily grind. We all have our own prayer rituals, but during difficult and intense times praying allows us to take a step back and empty our minds, or focus on a greater purpose.
Dive into a great book
The benefit of a book is being able to take it wherever we go, providing us with a world unto itself. With stories ad infinitum and different styles to match all personality types, reading encourages openness and increases our knowledge. It also gives us that precious moment of calm, a chance to escape into a whole new world.
Take off
It’s always great to have a change of scenery, but we don’t need to go that far. Living in the same environment and doing the same things, day-in day-out, can get repetitive. We don’t take the time to sit back and reflect. After a walk, a spin in the car, or a spontaneous family day out, we come back refreshed and able to look at life from a different perspective.
Do some sport or physical activity
While streaming your favorite TV show might be tempting, physical activity helps keep us positive and helps us regain some energy, with numerous benefits for both mind and body. Consider an activity that fits in with your daily routine and you’ll be more likely to keep it going. Whether a morning jog, a swim session while the kids have a lesson, or some stretching exercises at home, it will give you a real energy boost and keep you going for the rest of the day.
Ditch the routine
Caught up in the daily grind, we don’t always pop our heads up to evaluate our lives. Family, work, friends, and our various activities have a habit of taking over. Simple but not obvious, breaking with our daily rituals is another way of allowing us to see things differently. We can re-focus by getting off that constantly turning hamster wheel, even if it’s just for 10 minutes. Try to encourage more spontaneous plans, like a trip out to get ice cream or a lunch with neighbors, you’ll soon feel refreshed and ready to face those household chores … that never go away!
Get handy with painting, cooking, knitting or DIY
Whether in a kitchen or in a workshop, doing an activity with our hands is a great way of resting our minds, by stimulating other senses. There’s a physical activity out there to match everybody, and you might even find a hidden talent! And while you’re busy building furniture or cooking up tasty dishes, your ideas will roam free and your mind will be refreshed.
Get back to nature
You know we mentioned walking earlier? Well, if you’ve time, take this one step further. Get back to nature by kicking off your shoes and lying on the grass, or splashing your feet in water — for city dwellers, think about finding a favorite spot in your local park. It’s not just about seeing the beauty of nature, it’s about feeling it and studying it. For any potential botanists out there, you could always keep a notebook and draw your favorite foliage.
And today we celebrate...