Like everything else in life, if you set goals and plan towards them - you are more likely to reach them. The same goes for your health and wellness. It’s no secret that modern life is demanding, and that can mean there is very little time for you to do things that lower your stress levels and help you relax.

However, relaxing and unwinding is essential not only for your mental health, but it will help you be more productive and feel energized to take care of everything. A huge bonus is that happiness is contagious.

Photo by Plush Design Studio on Unsplash

Planning

If you have a planner set up already, then you will have a clear view of where you have time to really dedicated to your self-care. Just like you’d book anything else like getting your braces done on Saturday or taking the kids to ballet, you need to block the time out.

If you don’t have a monthly planner view, then it is time to get that put together.

Work out how many hours or minutes you have available, and then piece together the things that you want to achieve that day.

Here are some suggestions for you to add to your plan.

Brunch

There is something so satisfying about taking the time to get ready and head out to grab brunch, with friends, family, or alone. Or you can try to create a Pinterest worthy brunch in the house.

Here are a few menu ideas:

● Ham and cheese croissant bake

● Smoke salmon and avocado flatbread

● Roasted tomato and avo-toast

● Tigrillo

● Breakfast burritos

Try to pack it with veggies, healthy fats, and energy - ready for the rest of your day of calm and relaxation.

Write

If you have someone that you miss or don’t see much - write them a letter. Spend some time choosing beautiful paper, your favorite pen, and sit in your most comfortable space. Think about the things you would say to them in person.

Journaling is a great option to let your mind wander for a while, but not something people can fit in every day. So, try to book in some time each weekend (or your free days) and add new entries. In between your allocated journalling time, collect stickers, notes, and photos to add in.

Blogging is another wonderful option to explore your voice and share your life. Many people have beautiful blogs filled with everything from lifestyle tips posts, to wonderfully raw real-life stories.

Creative

If you have ever watched the quick tutorials while scrolling on Facebook or on youtube and never found the time to create your masterpiece - now is the time. Gather the materials you are going to need and work out how many hours you will need to complete your masterpiece.

Painting is a fantastic option to get started with. Often you won’t need more than a canvas and a reasonably priced set of paints. A great style to start with is the Dutch pour method, it’s all about free-flowing paints and very relaxing. An alternative is to follow a Bob Ross tutorial.

Colouring is linked to slowing down and relaxing. It takes little concentration, so isn’t taxing, and while you sit, you will slowly un-tense your body too. This goes for drawing too. When you let your mind roam free, your body will be flooded with happy hormones and positive feelings.

Fresh Air

If the only fresh air you're getting is between the front door and the car door, then it is time to pick up the slack a little. Fitting walks in during the week can be difficult if you have work, children who need to be taken to and from school, home duties, and more. But if your weekends are looking like they have space, then take advantage. If it isn’t possible every weekend, try to focus too much on not getting that in.

Instead, take a look at the possible options you have in the coming weeks and plan a trip to the nearest woods and a picnic. Make simple woodland walks something fun.

Sleep

One of the easiest ways to recharge is getting the right amount of sleep. And this can seem a little bit impossible when everyone is busy - and so are you. But it might mean that you need to take a closer look at your to-do lists, and see what is essential and what can be moved - so you can head to be earlier. If you struggle to sleep, then you might like to look at the Calm app. And while it isn’t recommended you play on your phone while in bed, a gentle sleep story can help you drift off peacefully.

Regularity and routine is the key to making sure that you get the right amount of sleep every evening.

Cleaning

It can be hard to relax when your home is a little messy and cluttered. Normal family life dictates there will be the odd item strewn around, and the toy box will be emptied on the floor. But, declutter your wardrobe, drawers, or your home office can help you let go of some of that mental load you are carrying around with you. And unless you love cleaning, you can set ten-minute timers to help your complete smaller jobs in a set time frame.

Say No

Sometimes the reason we are so busy, is that we are overbooked and still saying yes to helping people out. And while there is a lot to be said for helping people and the happiness it brings, if the impact on you is negative, then you need to ask if you have the right balance going on. It can take a while to learn to say no to things when you are asked but consider it a protective word to keep some time and energy for yourself.

“Rest and self-care are so important. When you take time to replenish your spirit, it allows you to serve others from the overflow. You cannot serve from an empty vessel.” — Eleanor Brown

CREATING A WELLNESS PLAN