5 Ways To Stay Centered And Calm

1 min

If time constraints, packed schedules and over commitments have become the norm, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and stressed out. To help you stay centered, relaxed and calm, it’s necessary every so often to regroup, decompress and focus on yourself:

1. If you find that the demands on your time are overwhelming, don’t be afraid to politely say “no” when someone asks you to do or attend something. It’s better to say “no” early on instead of “maybe” or “we’ll see.” You will appreciate the freedom of protecting your schedule and prioritizing your commitments.
2. Don’t feel guilty. No one person can do it all, so learn your limits and be satisfied with them.
3. Be a little selfish once in a while by scheduling “me time” – it will help keep you grounded and in touch with your thoughts and feelings. Consider meditating first thing in the morning, or making time for a yoga class. It’s often best to put an hour on your calendar regularly for this “me time.” Be sure to also spend some, if not all of your “me time” outside getting fresh air and breathing deeply.
4. Take time to enjoy the little things. Read a book, start an art project, take a walk or treat yourself to a massage. I would consider a short afternoon cat nap an important and healthful option as well.
5. Unplug. So often we spend any spare moment stuck to a screen on social media or our news feed. Embrace and schedule time for boredom and being disconnected. Set or schedule your phone to “do not disturb” and embrace the void by appreciating a sunrise or sunset, reading a book or just staring off into space. Studies show our most creative moments happen during boredom.

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