How many days do you wake up and find yourself on autopilot? So maybe you run through your days doing what’s important but what is more important than taking care of yourself? I (Litsa) loved Lisa Freedom’s (Redbook) list of ‘stuff to always make time for…no matter how busy you are—these daily commitments are surprisingly tiny, considering how hugely happy they’ll make you!” And who doesn’t want to be HAPPY?
Moisturize. You want to have skin that looks younger than you are—always! We will all develop wrinkles but with dry skin, twice as much. Apply moisturizer morning & night.
Take a Lunch Break. I am notorious for eating at my desk—multitasking by reading, blogging, grading papers, etc. Throughout my life, I’ve found that I’m eating and working but when I take time to just eat and enjoy my lunch break, I’m more relaxed and able to reflect/think more freely. Getting away from your to-do-list benefits you more in the long run.
Drink H20. Keep a bottle of water near by. Staying hydrated keeps your energy levels high and allows you to think clearly. Water bottles are great outdoors but they are also the perfect companion indoors too.
Give a compliment. If you think of complimenting someone, do it. Make it sincere and you are sure to boost your own day.
Set up a no-phone zone. I love this especially during dinner and when the three of our family members are together. Quality time without constant smartphone interruptions is grand these days. When you work from home and/or own your own business, technology can slice into your days by the hours. You have to be the boss to squeeze out face to face time with those you love.
Be social. No one has time for drinks with the girls every night but setting aside time slots in your weeks/months for hours of social time is the perfect way to reconnect and break routines. Often, I enjoy spending time eating lunch with a friend or sipping coffee while preparing lunches for the rest of the week. Two at a mundane task in your kitchen creates extraordinary memories with ordinary time restraints.
Lay out your gym clothes at night. Jumping out of bed and throwing on your gym clothes keeps you motivated to move. If you lay out your workout clothes at night, you don’t have to spend valuable time deciding what to wear to get a workout scheduled. Use the added time to run stairs and/or run an extra mile. Reps…
Make your bed. Wouldn’t your mother love this simple act? Fluffy pillows and straightened sheets/covers are delightful. Accomplishing this small task first thing in the morning makes one feel accomplished—-and what a great way to begin your day!?!
So what else would make your do-not-skip-this-daily-list? I love this list personally. I’m not sure what else I would add to this list right off the top of my head but these tasks are indeed those tiny tasks that do define our days. Pick one item in your day that is not important (like watching a thirty minute show or an hour long show with commercials wedged in the majority of the time). Cross it off your list and allow these tiny tasks for a happier life to take over.
Enjoy these ordinary tasks that will make you happier, livelier, organized, and—more aware of your day!
Credit: Painting by Annie Rone (The Painted House) and list from Redbook magazine
Latest posts by Litsa @How to Have it All (see all)
- Mushrooms: Portobello, Morels, & More - April 25, 2016
- Giving Back: Get Involved - December 2, 2015
- The Autumn Advantage - December 1, 2015
Make your bed. I love that one. That was one of the things that changed my life believe it or not. I guess it’s more of the mindset of doing what’s there in front of you and not just letting it go by. And the making the bed is always the first thing I’ve done after getting up.
Margie recently posted..Eating Healthy: How to Start Eating Vegetables