The benefits of living a balanced life include lower stress, improved health, increased focus and concentration, inspired creativity, and the ability to manage life’s ups and downs with dignity and grace. Sounds great, doesn’t it? But still many of us, myself included, struggle to balance life and take good care of ourselves.
We may think of the weekend as our time to relax and recharge. Just this morning I was telling a co-worker how I was looking forward to the weekend so I can enjoy some much needed rest and refreshment, but there are many ways to unwind and create work-life balance each and every day!
It’s easy to forget to take care of ourselves in times of activity and stress. It’s just as easy to push ourselves during the week and plan to “catch up” over the weekend (or, perhaps, vice versa). I don’t know about you, but I need a self-care intervention!
To inspire healthy habits and balance in my life, I made a list of simple ways to recharge my day. I got a little help from my friends and fans on my Facebook page, too. I’m feeling inspired already!
25 ways to relax, unwind, and refresh your day in 90 minutes or less!
1. Take a power nap!
Time investment: 15 – 20 minutes
I am a master power napper. I set an alarm for 15-20 minutes, close my eyes and wake feeling refreshed.
2. Take a walk.
Time investment: 15 minutes
In addition to power napping, taking my daily walk is one of my favorite ways to recharge. I love how focused and energized I feel after morning walk.
3. Go for a run.
Time investment: 30 minutes
Submitted by Sarah T. on my Facebook page, maybe a run is more your style. Running is good for your heart, your head, and your overall health!
4. Do nothing for 2 minutes.
Time investment: 2 minutes
Can you do nothing for 2 minutes? Okay, you can do something- like breathe. Sit up straight, take three deep breaths, counting to three as you inhale and three as you exhale. Roll your shoulders back and drop your shoulders away from your ears. Unclench your jaw. There, don’t you feel better now?
5. Change your perspective.
Time investment: 5 minutes
Another submission by my good friend Jon Mertz from Thin Difference suggests a great way to refresh your day is to do something different. Approach a problem a new way, or physically change your position, activity or location. Get a new perspective- how inspiring!
6. Write a gratitude list.
Time investment: 5 minutes
Make a list of at least 10 things you’re grateful for right now. Make note of what brings a smile to your face, makes you laugh, feels great, creates comfort and love in your life. It’s a 5 minute attitude booster!
7. Unplug.
Time investment: 15 minutes
I love the convenience and global connection of my digital devices but sometimes I have to step away from the internet! Unplug for at least 15 waking minutes per day.
8. Play sports.
Time investment: 60 – 90 minutes
My friend Duane shared his favorite way to recharge his day- play soccer! Team sports are a great way to exercise your body and mind, spend time with friends, and have fun.
9. Dance like no one’s watching.
Time investment: 2 – 3 minutes
Have you ever seen someone rocking out in their car at a stoplight? Oh, you saw me, did you? Sometimes it’s a wonderful release to dance like no one’s watching even if you know they are.
10. Enjoy a coffee date.
Time investment: 15 – 30 minutes
The ever-witty Hajra Khatoon from Hajra Kvetches suggested meeting a friend for coffee as a favorite way to take a break. Enjoying the company of a friend over a cup of coffee (or tea) will certainly improve your day!
11. Do yoga.
Time investment: 20 minutes
Hajra and I agree that yoga is a wonderful refresher. A yoga practice can be as short as 20 minutes with a significant benefits to your health and peace of mind. Yoga balances the breath, body, and mind to create harmony in your life- what’s not to love?
12. Put your worries away.
Time investment: 5 minutes
We all experience stress and worry from time-to-time and one way to keep it in check is to write down whatever you’re worried about and place it in a worry box or jar. You don’t have to carry it around with you all the time.
Image courtesy of anieto2k
13. Save some cash!
Time investment: none!
My friend Amanda shared she enjoys taking advantage of mid-week specials at her favorite local coffee shop as a way to indulge. Find discounts in your area to treat yourself on a budget!
14. Read a (comic) book.
Time investment: 30 minutes
My friend Cy shared new comic Wednesday is an event she looks forward to every week. No matter if you enjoy reading comics or novels, curling up with a good book relaxes and builds brain power!
15. Get to bed early.
Time investment: 30 – 60 minutes
When I’m feeling exhausted and drained I know it’s a good time to get to bed early and get a good night’s sleep. Sleep does wonders for my health and happiness.
16. Play music.
Time investment: 5 – 30 minutes
Music is good for the soul, or at least good for my soul. Putting on music that matches my mood relaxes, energizes, or lifts my spirits, depending on what I need right now.
17. Pamper yourself.
Time investment: 60 minutes
My friend Jennifer enjoys what she calls Goddess Beautification Night, or an evening of self-pampering including a salt soak, paraffin dip, pedicure and mud mask facial. That sounds lovely!
18. Do something you love that’s just for you.
Time investment: 30 minutes
I have several creative hobbies including writing, painting, coloring, and crafting. I love spending time on my hobbies and exercising my creative muscles. Whatever your hobby, invest in yourself by doing something you love!
19. Stretch
Time investment: 5 – 10 minutes
Stretch your body, stretch your heart, stretch your mind, and stretch your smile. Stretch every day.
20. Hug someone you love.
Time investment: 5 minutes
My friends Adam and Ariadne agree coming home to a loving embrace is the best pick-me-up! That reminds me to hug my husband just as soon as I finish this blog post.
21. Empty your inbox.
Time investment: 5 – 10 minutes.
I love the feeling of an empty inbox, though I must admit my inbox isn’t often empty so I’m going to take a few minutes and remove some digital clutter. If I can’t empty it completely, I’ll delete at least 10 emails I don’t need anymore. Won’t you join me in simplifying your digital life?
22. Spend time with family and friends
Time investment: 60 minutes
My friend Ashley listed enjoying a meal with her husband and relaxing in the hot tub with friends as two ways she recharges mid-week. I only wish Ashley still lived close by because I’d love to get in on that action!
23. Go to a museum or art gallery.
Time investment: 60 – 90 minutes
I love the inspiration and emotion evoked by beautiful art and I don’t do it often enough. I’ll take this as a wonderful reminder to go out and be moved by art in the near future.
24. Spend time in nature.
Time investment 60 – 90 minutes
There is nothing more peaceful than getting away from the hustle and bustle of the civilization and enjoying nature. Whether you live near mountains, oceans, lakes, or plains, spending time outdoors offers a little peace and quiet.
25. Take a ride on 2 wheels.
Time investment: 15 – 30 minutes
I love the unique experience of traveling on 2 wheels. Whether by bicycle, scooter, or motorcycle there’s nothing like the feeling of freedom with the wind caressing my face as I navigate starts, stops, and turns by shifting my weight. It’s a truly zen experience!
I love your comments! What’s your favorite way to relax and recharge?