Ever sit back at the end of a long day and ask yourself “What DID I do today?”
Most people spend their entire day rushing, multi-tasking, scrolling through social media, running errands, being a caregiver, trying to stay healthy, and much more. The days seem to run together, the memories seem distant, we lost sleep, and events have lost their value.
Why are we all so inept to do for others and forget ourselves?
The answer is demand. Jobs are more demanding, customers are more demanding, sports are more demanding, education is more demanding, life is more demanding. It is almost impossible to do everything we are supposed to do every single day!
One question I always ask my nutrition clients is “If you run yourself into the ground, who will take care of everything you do?”
Most people respond “No one.”
So why continue to ignore your own health?
Here are a few things you can try to slow down and smell the roses:
1. Stress Relief
Find something positive that helps you to relieve stress. I like to diffuse essential oils, take a long warm bath, or sit on the porch with NO electronic devices. You could try:
- Essential oils
- Reading
- Walking
- Cooking (yes some people enjoy it)
- Playing a game with your family
- Treating yourself to a mani + pedi
- Getting a massage
2. Eat at the table
Until recently, I ate all of my meal sitting at the coffee table in front of the TV hunched over my plate. This caused me digestion issues, cravings, and a lack of focus on levels of hunger.
3. Literally stop and smell the roses
We walk by beauty DAILY and take no recognition that it exists muchless show appreciation for it. So slow down and next time you see some beautiful roses (or flowers) and take a moment to close your eyes and breathe in nature’s perfume.
4. Enjoy your treat without social media
You finally decided to reward yourself with a treat (whether its food, a spa day, or a vacation), make a commitment to separate yourself from all social media. Is it really necessary to document everything?
5. Have a conversation and be present
Don’t think about the 1,000 things flowing from your mind and focus on the person across from you. Focus on the content of what they are telling you, look at their body language, make a connection. We are social beings who thrive on connections and interactions with others- so make the most of your conservations.
6. Enjoy meals don’t shovel them
This speaks for itself, but here are some tips you can try:
- Take smaller bites
- Chew your food completely
- See if you can taste all the flavors in your food- it’s a fun guessing game if you're out to eat
- Put your utensils down in between bites
- Focus on your company and give your body time to catch up allowing your mind to tell you whether or not you are full.
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