Reminder: Give Yourself A Break

In today's fast-paced world where we glorify the hustle, it isn't easy to find time for yourself, seeming like there are never enough hours in the day. So here are a few reminders of easy ways to carve out a little space and care for yourself.

Go For a Trip or Vacation

While it sounds obvious, it’s been so long since we’ve all traveled and a vacation is a great way to take your mind off everyday stresses. While a vacation isn’t really an escape from reality (it’s there when we get back, isn’t it), what is is is a break from routine, which offers a fresh way of experiencing life and more space to think and focus on things you may have been setting aside, like how your body feels, or checking in on your mental health. Go somewhere you've never been before, try new things (that aren't work-related), and observe ways of living that are different from yours. Plus, the best part about vacations is that they don't have to be expensive. Use miles, credit card points, or find fun options, through lifestyle luxury vacation club reviews on sites like Groupon and Airbnb.

Go For a Walk

It's easy to feel guilty about taking time away from work, but it's essential to take time for yourself every once in a while. Plus, it’s been proven that your brain works better with a little repetitive motion. Turn on some music or podcasts or get lost in your thoughts as you wander around the beach or neighborhood.

Unplug From Social Media

The constant comparison on social media, not to mention the ongoing discourse of literally every world event, is insanely draining. There is constant pressure to keep up with the Whomevers as well as pressure to weigh in on literally every trending topic. Plus the fact that it’s been designed to be increasingly addictive is in itself draining. Try an app like Moment or Flipd, which will help track your screen time and remind you not to check your phone every few minutes. Or try to leave your phone in another room for a designated period of time on a daily basis. Contrary to popular opinion, if it didn’t happen on social media, it actually did still happen and you can still enjoy it.

Social media can lead to very adverse effects on your health and wellbeing.

• Workaholic Tendencies- We might feel like we’re not doing enough when other people post pictures of vacations or frequent outings with friends.

• It's addictive - and the more time we spend scrolling, the less satisfied we'll be with our own lives.

• An exaggerated sense of self-importance and entitlement - We might feel that because we’re always working, other people should be grateful for our presence in their life or at work.

• Depression, anxiety, loneliness and isolation- It can be challenging for people who are constantly on social media to make time or find opportunities to truly connect with people, leading to a lonely lifestyle with little chance for human interaction.

Start a New Hobby

Whether it is photography, crafting, hiking, or reading etc, find something new to explore and enjoy. You can learn about yourself by exploring different hobbies. It might be hard at first, but the benefits outweigh the challenge once you find your groove. Plus, the fact that new things are challenging is half the benefit.

Sit in Silence

Ok we saved the weirdest reminder for last. But sitting in silence can be a super easy and powerful way to reset. It’s shocking how rare we actually sit, doing nothing these days, but sitting without distraction can lead to truly wonderful things. It awakens senses and allows us to notice things we may have never noticed before in our own environments. It also provides a space for us to tap into those underlying gut feelings we all have that we tend not to notice until they’re either squashed completely, or causing us anxiety. Tuning into yourself with a body and environment check is hugely invigorating.

Take Time to Be Grateful For What You Have

Similarly to sitting in silence, taking time to look in on yourself with gratitude is becoming increasingly rare. Often, we’re quick to complain when something goes wrong or not go as planned - but what about when things go right? Try practicing gratitude, it will help you tremendously. 

It’s cheesy but true - all of the best things in life are free. You don't have to wait for a vacation or even spend money - there's always something going on in your life worth celebrating!