“Promise me something. Promise me that you’ll always have fun, that you’ll always have a heart of a kid, that you won’t change.”
These words were spoken to me by one of my very good friends. It’s been over ten years since that moment, yet I remember it as clear as it happened yesterday. It wasn’t until recently, that I started to wonder; what does that mean, anyway?
I mean, you can’t always have fun, can you? You can’t help, but “grow-up.”
Then you grow up, and you realize that life has a way of taking over. You harden. If last week has taught me anything (and it’s taught me A LOT), it’s that sometimes, being a “grown-up” sucks. Having to deal with 20 different things at once when also experiencing a major and unexpected setback, sucks.
Sometimes it can even feel like you’re carrying the weight of the world on your shoulders.
And so, we harden.
But we shouldn’t.
Whether you find yourself feeling stuck in a rut or creative block; lack motivation or are in need of a little change- know that it’s okay. We all go through “stuff” sometimes. If this is something you’re dealing with at the moment, challenge yourself to rejuvenate your body, mind, and spirit. Think about it- is there anything you really enjoyed doing but stopped because you don’t have enough time or because you’re “too old for this” or simply because you forgot how fun it is?
15 SMALL WAYS TO REJUVENATE YOUR MIND + BODY + SPIRIT
1. CREATE A SELF-CARE KIT
Keep a box full of things that make you feel good. These can be photos, books, music records, your favorite recipes. I have a whole collection of essential oils, my favorite candles, music, and recipes in mine. Reach for your box whenever you’re in need of some self-care and if you don’t have time to practice it, schedule it in!
2. GO TO SLEEP EARLY
Some of the things we hated doing as children, we love doing as adults- like going to sleep early and getting more than 6 hours of sleep.
3. TAKE A NAP
Nothing is more refreshing than a midday nap. It’s not something that most of us allow ourselves to do often. Don’t make it too long though- keep it between 15-20 minutes.
4. DIGITAL DETOX
Spend an entire day without your phone, computer, tablet, TV. Think of some of the things you loved doing as a kid, that didn’t involve electronics.
5. LAUGH
Watch something silly, funny; stand-up comedy is one of my favorite ways of cheering myself up.
6. EAT MINDFULLY
Eat slowly, enjoy every single bite, let your body catch up to your brain, focus on taste, consistency, different textures.
Also, see:
+ Life-Changing Acts of Self-Love
+ 50 Ways to Practice Self-Care
+ How to Change a Negative Mindset
7. LISTEN TO NEW MUSIC
Listen to something you usually wouldn’t listen to, discover new artists, new songs, new sounds.
8. JOURNAL
Write out everything that’s on your mind. Just write. What are some of the things you hope to accomplish? What makes you happy? What are you grateful for? What are your fears?
9. WATCH THE SUNSET
….or the sunrise. Both happen every day, but how rarely do we get to truly appreciate their beauty?
10. DRINK MORE WATER
Better yet, start your days with a glass of warm water with lemon- it does wonders for your digestive system and gives your immune system a little boost.
11. CREATE A MORNING ROUTINE
Create a ritual– something you will look forward to, every single morning. Even if it’s just a 10-minute meditation, reading a chapter or two of a book, having your tea or coffee in complete silence- make sure to spend some time just with yourself and set your intentions for the day to come.
12. JUMP ON YOUR BED
Jump on your bed, play with a balloon or do some coloring, dance; do something that will remind you of being a kid.
13. TRY GUIDED MEDITATION
The more you think you don’t have time for things like meditation, the more you could benefit from practicing it. Regular practice can’t help you find clarity, focus, and peace.
14. GO FOR A LONG RUN
Go for a long run, or a long walk, if running isn’t your thing.
15. SPEND TIME OUTDOORS
Read outdoors, go for a long walk in the park, grab a blanket, a bottle of water and a book. Walk barefoot, feel grounded.
Also, remember this: give love. To yourself as well as those around you. Just because you feel tired, exhausted and overwhelmed at this very moment, it doesn’t mean that things will remain like this forever. Too often we let that inner voice take over and let it go crazy with its colorful array of insults. Watch the way you talk to yourself; give love.
Is there anything you’d add to this list? What are some of your favorite, small ways to rejuvenate?