Simplify Your Life
Are you feeling a bit scrambled these days? Are you hurried everywhere you go? Multitasking with every step to keep up? You're not alone. In today's world, finding a moment of peace can be tough, because we're busy running our kids to multiple activities and, thanks to smart phones and devices, we can't just leave our work at work anymore. It follows us everywhere. Household chores are always staring us in the face too. What's a busy parent to do? Take time to relax. Enjoy the simple things; they really do matter.
While you may feel more accomplished when you multitask, research indicates it actually increases stress and lowers productivity. The lost art of single-tasking is much more beneficial, as is finding joy in the small stuff. Here are some great ways for you (and your family) to lie low a little more often and enjoy life's simple pleasures.
Organize your schedule. Keeping reminders in your phone or in a notebook can drastically reduce stress and organize your thoughts. Don't forget to set reminders so you have ample time to get ready and out the door!
Take a snooze more often. A short nap is great for restoring your energy and mood! An earlier bedtime a few nights a week also can do wonders.
Hug a tree. The great outdoors is waiting for you! Not only is nature healing, but being outside has a way of brightening moods and bringing families closer. So go for a walk, bike ride or run. Play kickball or hopscotch with the kids. Work in the garden or play in the rain. You can do so much outside! (Don't forget to take off your shoes and go barefoot in the grass.)
Play more games. Put the technology away and pull out the board games! Playing games the old-fashioned way is much more fun and relaxing. Plus, you can have real conversation and bonding time.
Read a good book. Find a cozy place to sit and enjoy a favorite author. Dive into the story and let your imagination run free!
Sip your coffee or tea slowly. Savor the flavor, aroma and the moment.
Watch the sunrise. If you're an early riser, take a few moments to watch the sun as it comes up over the horizon and pay attention to its changing hues in the sky.
Do yoga or meditate. These are great activities any time of day! If you're a morning person, do gentle yoga stretches upon waking or find a quiet space to meditate. Both are great stress relievers and mood enhancers.
Pamper yourself. Visit a spa and get a massage, a pedicure or manicure. Have your hair cut or colored at your favorite salon or simply take a hot bubble bath. You deserve it!
Spend time with animals. Whether they're pets of your own, in an animal shelter or zoo, take them for a walk and give them lots of love by petting them. Being around animals is very meditative. Animals are not only furry and cute, but they're incredibly healing.
Call a friend and talk for an hour (or more) just like you did in high school. A text or an email just isn't the same as hearing each other's voices, reminiscing and laughing yourselves silly. Laughing is very therapeutic!
The feeling of joy doesn't have to be extravagant. Look for it in the simple things around you each day. No matter how small, savor these moments. They'll reduce your stress and improve your overall well-being.
Kansas City mom and author Gina Klein loves to awaken each day before everyone else in the house so she can do a little yoga and enjoy a hot mug of tea in the silence.