Stop Stressing Yourself Out!
New Year's Resolutions can be STRESSFUL!
New Year's resolutions are stressful and usually short lived. Why? Because they're unrealistic. Setting goals like losing 50 pounds in 5 days or quitting smoking cold turkey are sure fire ways to set yourself up for failure and unnecessary stress.
So, instead of resolutions, adopt some easy to implement rituals
and start your New Year off with Less Stress and More Success!
Here are the 6 Simple Rituals that I've added to my day.
I may not complete them all-everyday, but I always feel my best when I do!
1. Drink a glass of water when you wake up. Your body loses water while you sleep, so you’re naturally dehydrated in the morning. A glass of water when you wake helps start your day fresh. When do you drink your first glass of water each day?
2. Define your top 3. Every morning I ask myself, “What are the top three most important tasks that I will complete today?” I prioritizes my day accordingly and won't quit until my Top 3 are complete. And don't stress-they may be as simple as water the plants, or pay bills. What’s your “Top 3” today?
3. The 50/10 Rule. Solo-task and do more faster by working in 50/10 increments. Use a timer to work for 50 minutes on only one important task with 10 minute breaks in between. I spend my 10 minutes getting away from the desk and drinking that glass of water, checking in on a friend, or pulling items out of the fridge for dinner that night. Then I concentrate on my next 50 minute task. What’s your most important task for the next 50 minutes?
4. Move and sweat daily. Regular movement keeps us healthy and alert. It boosts energy and mood, and relieves stress. I'll be honest, this is where I falter. So I take the dog for a walk, (instead of just letting her out into the backyard), or dance to my favorite song. Sometimes I'll even do a fast 15 picking up the house. How will you sweat today?
5. Express gratitude. Gratitude fosters happiness. Every night I recite at least five things I'm thankful for. When my day has been high stress, I'll write them down and often write a mental letter to a person I'm really grateful to have in my life. What are you grateful for today?
6. Reflect daily. Bring closure to your day with a few minutes of reflection. For me this often happens while I'm getting ready for bed, brushing my teeth, or drifting off to sleep. I'll ask myself, “What went well?” and “What needs improvement?” So… what went well today? How can you do more of it?