Life has this crazy way of moving WAY too fast sometimes. One minute you’re just starting to open your eyes to start the day… and the next, well, you find yourself lying in bed after what seemed like the longest, shortest day of your life. Because of this, we sometimes forget that even though the world doesn’t stop turning, (no matter how much we may want it to), we still need time to make even just a little bit of time for ourselves every day. And yes, while a long relaxing “me day” or a “mental health day” are always the best options, sometimes they’re not always easy to incorporate into our busy schedules. So, here are 5 ways that you can treat yourself in the present moment (even though you deserve so much more!).
- Buy your favorite drink
For me personally, my go-to drink that always cheers me up is a Dunkin’ Iced Coffee (to be more specific: a caramel cold brew with cream, sugar, and cold foam). However, any drink will do in this case. Whatever iced or hot beverage is your fav, go for it! Most drinks are typically on the inexpensive side, so it’s always a quick and easy way to put a smile on your face!
- Take a hot shower
At the end of the day, an essential part of my night routine is taking a hot shower and letting all of the stressors from my day wash away. One of my favorite feelings is being clean, putting on my comfy clothes, and getting into bed for the night. A shower may seem like the bare minimum for most people, but after a long day, you know it can be one of the best feelings in the entire world.
- Get some fresh air
Now this one seems too simple to be on this list, but especially with the crazy times we live in right now, going outside for some fresh air can literally feel like a breath of fresh air. Most of us know what working from home or online school feels like, and sometimes being at our workspace for too long can feel so suffocating. So, even if it’s just for five minutes, find a nice little spot outside and take a breath. Feel the fresh air in your lungs and let yourself have a few minutes of peace.
- Put on your favorite tunes
Music can be a powerful thing. There are so many different genres/artists out there to suit whatever mood you’re in. So, play your favorite song, album, artist, whatever you like! I can guarantee you that it will instantly put you in a good mood, and you can even, if you’re feeling it, dance around your room for a few minutes to release all of the tension and negative energy you feel.
- Rest
Yes, I know this is also one of those things that seems literally so simple and easy. However, sometimes, we’re so consumed with finishing up an assignment, making a deadline, or even just accomplishing everything on our to-do list, that we forget to actually let our minds and bodies relax. We can’t be as productive as we are aiming for if we aren’t properly caring for ourselves. So, go ahead and take a 30min nap, go to sleep early tonight, or just have some lounge time… because you deserve it! :)