Learn to Breathe 8-2-8
The best way to stay on track is to stay calm and be aware of yourself and the world around you. Staying calm comes from within. So, this year rely on your breath to reduce your stress and stay on top of those distractions that can derail even the best laid plans. To do this, learn how to take a few slow, deep breaths to calm you and reduce your anxiety. It’s simple, free and you can do it anytime, anywhere. When you start to feel agitated, take a moment. Draw a deep breath in through your nose. Feel your stomach expand for a slow count to 8. Hold it for a count of 2 and slowly exhale it through your nose for another count of 8. Feel the air enter and leave your body. Don’t dwell on the thoughts that come into your mind. Simply acknowledge them and return to your breath and your count. Take a few minutes to breathe. It will pay you back with hours to spare.
Balance YOUR Day from the Start
There is no better time to set the pace of your day than when you first wake up. Remind yourself that this is YOUR day, no one else’s. Before you get out of bed in the morning take a few minutes to notice your breathing. Lie on your back. Place one hand on your stomach and the other on your chest. Take a few deep belly breaths. Smile, as you feel your stomach rise and fall with each breath. Don’t just jump into your day, give yourself the two minutes you deserve to balance your morning, steady your thoughts and guide your day in the right direction.
Don't Say Yes, Say Maybe
One of the traps everyone falls into again and again is the trap of trying to please. We often say yes out of habit, without really thinking about what we’re committing to. Teach yourself to pause and think for a moment. Learn to tell people “let me get back to you on that.” Get comfortable with saying “maybe” if you’re feeling pressed into action. There is nothing wrong with taking a few moments to see if you really want to commit to something, especially if you are already over committed.
Mindful Eating
We all want to take control of our food and our stress. Both are areas that you can lead, if you slow down and allow yourself to do so. First, stop trying to finish your meal before you’ve even started. Take a moment for yourself to actually enjoy what you’re eating. Be aware of the food before you. Notice the shape, color and texture of it. Attune yourself to your body, the way you salivate and anticipate your meal. Notice the taste, the texture and the different sensations you feel when you eat. Take the time to really see the service around you. Notice the place setting, the staff and the décor. Appreciate and enjoy what you have before you rush back into your day.
Begin at the End
Don’t worry about what you’re going to do tomorrow. Start by thinking about what you want to be doing a year from now. Not in big, grandiose statements, but in the little things you want to be doing during your days. Walk through the life you want from the moment you wake up to the time you go to bed. Think about the kind of coffee or tea you would like to drink. Think about what your work day should be like. Then work backwards to create little changes in your life to give you the lifestyle you want.
Pace Yourself
You are going to be here for a while. Not where you are right this instant, but on this planet and in this life. There are more people to meet, more events to attend and more things to than anyone has time for. So pace yourself and know that you can’t do everything. Try to set aside different days for shopping, cooking and visiting friends. Give yourself extra time to just sit for a few minutes and enjoy life. Teach yourself to avoid last minute scrambles by setting aside a few minutes more than you may plan to, to rebalance yourself and create a foundation to return to. It will help to keep you sane no matter what goes on around you.
Remember to Give a Little
Giving is one of the most joyous acts we can do. All too often we lose sight of the bigger picture by thinking about the large gifts we want to give. We want to impress, we want to show our love, but don’t forget to also do so on a smaller scale. Give a smile to someone, leave a slightly larger tip, say thank you. You’ll be surprised how much energy you can generate during the day, just by giving a little as you go about checking off your to-do list.
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