Life can be draining, yet we often find it difficult to take time for self-care when there are so many other needs to be met. We push through because we think we can’t afford to take a break. Unfortunately, when we try to keep going on 10% power, our productivity suffers, and so do the people we’re trying to help. How can we stay energized without “wasting” time?
One good solution is to take small moments throughout the day to recharge our inner batteries. Keeping our mental, emotional, and physical energy out of the red zone will not only make us more productive, but will also make us happier and nicer to be around.
When it comes to self-care, short and sweet can be effective. Consistently nurturing yourself in small, simple ways can help you stay energized, so you can work better and think more clearly.
Here are twelve suggestions to recharge your batteries. Which do you need in your life today?
12 short and sweet self-care ideas to stay energized throughout the day
- Stretch and hydrate. When I work at my computer, I often find myself hunched over and stiff. Here’s how to combat that keyboard hunch. Sit up straight and look at something across the room. Stretch stiff neck muscles and take a few deep breaths. Then get up and get a drink of water. Repeat every hour or two to fight off fatigue and stay energized.
- Get some fresh air and sunlight. I know you’ve heard it before but going outside is a powerful energy booster. A short stroll can help you de-stress and find new motivation. Even sitting in a sunbeam can help. (Maybe cats are onto something?)
- Take a mindfulness pause. Take a pause from your day to slow down and savor something you enjoy, such as a cup of tea, or the scent of your favorite hand lotion, or an inspiring piece of music. Give it your full attention, and let tension drain away.
- Change gears and do a simple task: If your thoughts are spinning, try this. A simple repetitive task enables us to intentionally slow down and let our thoughts wander, which often helps us find solutions to tricky problems.
- Switch mental gears. Different kinds of thinking use different parts of the brain. Therefore, switching tasks after an hour or two of focus can allow one area of the brain to recharge while you utilize a different kind of thinking. For example, if your verbal “brain muscles” are tired, switch to something that involves numbers, images, or music.
- Complete a simple nagging task. Unfinished tasks, or open loops, weigh us down mentally. Checking one or two off the list can boost our mood, while giving our brains a break from serious work.
- Take a creativity break. Doing something fun and creative can restore mental and emotional energy. Color, doodle, play an instrument, build a wonky structure out of Legos or make a T-rex out of modeling clay.
- How about a nap? The latest science says the ideal nap is between ten and twenty minutes. If you can Is there a way you can try one to recharge your midafternoon slump?
- Take a humor break. Laughter is good for the soul. Watching a funny video or reading something that tickles your funny bone will boost your mood and recharge emotional energy.
- Turn it into a game. Mary Poppins was right. When we find ways to turn a dull task into a game, we are happier and more motivated to complete it. Turning tasks into timed challenges can make them more fun and less draining.
- Take a pet break. Spend a few minutes of focused interaction with your pet. Walk, play, or snuggle. Feel free to pour out your worries or frustrations. Pets are good listeners. They rarely interrupt and they never give unwanted advice.
- Find a way to simplify. When one area of your life is hectic, compensate by simplifying as much as possible in other areas. Give yourself extra bandwidth by planning a heat-and-eat dinner, rescheduling an appointment, or setting out your clothes the night before. Whatever helps.
Bonus idea:
Pre-fill your tank. If you know you’ll be facing an extra-busy day, be intentional the day or two before to fill your energy tanks as much as possible, so you can start your important day with a full charge. It’s easier to stay energized if you start off on the right foot.
For example, if you know you have a stressful project coming up, make sure you take time the previous weekend to relax and pursue activities that restore you emotionally, mentally, socially, and spiritually. Weekends are intended to provide breaks from the productivity grind. Even the Bible reminds us to take regular breaks from work.
A little self-care can go a long way.
So, what are you waiting for? Which of these simple self-care ideas will you add regularly into your day to stay energized and feeling great?
