4 Gentle Ways to Feel Better Today
Feeling tired or overwhelmed? I hear you. There are many days I’ll get out of bed and get going, at the speed of light, get half way through the day and realize I haven’t stopped for even one single minute to just breathe. I’m rushed and overwhelmed trying to just get out the door, get my son to school, and get myself to work. Once I’m at work, I load up on coffee and hit the ground running… either with the normal daily tasks or some new project that slipped into my inbox over the weekend.
I do well with routine, so having a formula of sorts for my day helps. But even then, it’s a lot. You’re there too, you feel it too. I know you do.
As the seasons change and winter creeps in, I’d like to remind myself there’s a better way. A slower way, a calmer way. And I’d like to slip into that way.
Over the next few months, I will be focusing on gently slowing down.
Won’t you join me? There are some easy ways we can welcome some “slow” into our otherwise fast lives, to begin feeling better today.
- Breathe Deep: Set a few reminders for yourself throughout the day. Sit still, really still. Close your eyes. And focus on your breath. Take deep breaths through your nose, hold it for a few seconds, and then breathe out of your mouth, completely. Let all the breath go. Do this several times. It will calm your heart and your mind. Thank me later.
- Drink Water: You may be feeling tired, hungry, or cranky, simply because you’re dehydrated. Drinking a large glass of water several times per day can really change your mood; it can also get you going (if you know what I mean). Which can be a big help in changing how you feel overall. Buy yourself a nice new water bottle if that will give you a boost. Or dig one out of the cabinet you used to love. Either way, make your water intake a priority.
- Stand and Stretch: Sitting is the new smoking. Just saying. If it’s possible, stand for at least five minutes every hour. While you’re up, do some simple stretches. Bend over and touch your toes. Raise your hands above your head and reach as high as you can. Doing this even a few times a day will improve your mood and flexibility.
- Walk: If you’re working in corporate America, the best thing you can do for yourself (and your employer) is to take your government sanctioned break. You’d be surprised how many people don’t leave their desks during their breaks or don’t even take a break at all. This is not healthy for you or your work. You need a few minutes to clear your head, to get outside even. If at all possible, go outside for your break. Even if it’s cold, the sunshine alone will do you good. Take this time to listen to some music that makes you happy. Or use this for simple prayer time.If you can’t get outside, take a walk around the hallways of your office. Or, take the long way around the building to see that coworker you’re delivering paperwork to. However you do it, get in a few steps.
I plan to focus on these four ways to calm down, welcome some “slow”, and feel better throughout my days.
Try these with me. Which one do you think will make the most impact on how you’re feeling?