If we all have to make (and keep!) only one resolution for the new year, it would totally be to take care of yourself. Here's a list of tips that particularly works for me. Now, if only I could remember to actually apply those advices when I'm dealing with stress...
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1. Go to bed earlier
They don't call it beauty sleep for nothing. Sleeping is the best way to recover from an exhausting day. I know I am stating the obvious here but this will make you feel refreshed and totally energized the next morning. Plus, you'll be able to think more clearly and get a better start on your day.
2. Pamper
Take a bath with added bubble bath or essential oils, paint your nails, apply a face mask, moisturize, ... just take a few minutes to take care of yourself and decompress every day.
3. Just say no
Too much to do, too little time. Take a break! Say no to the news, the extra work your colleague wants you to do, the trip your family wants you to join, the party you don't want to attend, friends you don't need to see right now. Don't do what you don't want to do. You might think people will care about you not going to their event but the truth is they have a life too and won't bother for too long.
4. Spend a day at the beach
Now, this might not be possible for everyone but for those of us that don't live very far away from the seaside, let's go. For a day or even a weekend - why not? The sea helps me focus and clear my mind. I find that the fresh air has a positive effect on me and walking barefoot on the sand is the perfect way to reconnect with nature.
5. Go on a date
Either with your friends or your lover. Just spend an evening with someone you love and who loves you back. Indulge in an alcoholic drink without drowning in it, share a dessert, talk your worries away but enjoy the lightness of it all.
6. Gor for a run
Or a walk. This will make you thinner, happier, less tired. This will reduce your stress level, that's for sure. You don't need to be an athlete, you don't need to run a 5K, you just need to put on your shoes and go out the door. That's right: do it outside. Enjoy the fresh air. Start by running and when you have enough just keep walking. Walk, walk, walk your stress away. I reckon it's definitely better than putting your feet up.
7. Bake
Try to recreate your favourite treat or simply bake a family recipe. Baking lets you focus on a task making it very relaxing. You certainly will be benefiting from the results of your masterpiece. We all crave comfort food when feeling down and while it is totally OK to indulge in fat, sugar and salt, make your next meal a healthy one. It's actually better for your relationship with stress.
8. Have a cuppa
Enjoy a fancy hot chocolate, a cup of tea, a cappuccino or fancy coffee recipe. Easy as pie. I find that sipping a hot drink helps me unwind and I really consider it a treat. I am a sucker for beans concoctions with froth milk and sweet syrups.
9. Sing
In the shower preferably but I also adore doing it in the car! It's one of my favourite thing to do to just let it go (!!) and shout my lungs out on a song that I love and know the lyrics to. It lifts up your mood instantly and totally decrease your stress level.
10. Treat yo self
Find your comfort zone and do what you love. It can be reading, working out, watching tv or eating a few treats, if it makes you happy just do it. Do it in moderation though so you can really appreciate it when the time is right. Do splurge on this sparkly top you just found on sale but do it while setting some money aside for the big things or experiences you want to have. Money is known to be a major anxiety factor so don't burden yourself with more stress while trying to reduce it.Blue Lagoon via
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