Fall time can be stressful with going back to school, shorter days, and the quickly approaching holiday season. Some days can feel like there’s simply not enough time in the day to get to everything done that you need to, let alone try to squeeze in some self-care. And while luxurious spa days are great, a lengthy self-care routine can be hard to fit into the schedule.
Some quick and easy ways to reduce stress and balance the day:
1. Take a handful of slow, deep breaths. It only takes a few seconds but it’s amazing how much better you can feel by just taking a few seconds to reset and ground yourself in the present moment. As you breathe in, slowly count to 7 and then exhale.
2. Take a relaxing shower and wash away the day.
3. Say no to something. If you don’t feel up to socializing or doing something, it’s okay to say no. Standing up for yourself and setting boundaries is empowering and is an instant relief from pressure.
4. Drink a glass of water. Not only is it good to stay hydrated, but it forces you to take a second away from the chaos of the day and check back in with yourself.
5. Experience nature. Whether it’s dancing barefoot in the grass, walking into your local flower shop, or admiring and working in your own garden, the sights and aromas of nature will put you at ease.
6. Give yourself a time out. Taking a couple minutes away isn’t the punishment it was when you were little and gives you a chance to recenter.
7. Introduce aromatherapy oils. Turn on a diffuser, light a candle, or use a wax melt and let the power of scent boost your mood and melt your worries away.
8. Color! Grab a coloring book and crayons, markers, paints, whatever sounds good to you and take a second to sit quietly and focus on something simple.
9. Get lost in a good book for a few minutes a day instead of scrolling through your phone or computer. It’s a lot less stressful getting lost in a good story than the real world.
Wellness is all about balance. We can’t always get rid of the daily stressors in life, but we can balance out the chaos by creating pockets of calm in small ways that turn into big benefits.
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