How to Add Restful Rhythms to Your Life

1. Put your phone aside  I’ve recently been listening to podcasts before bed. It’s a new favorite thing. I put the sleep timer on, turn my phone …

Rest.
When was the last time you did?
I find myself often too ‘itchy’. There is always something I need to/should be/could be doing. Life is happening and so to put it on pause is counter-intuitive.
If you’re anything like me, then downtime must, like anything else, be a part of your schedule in order for it to happen. But what if you could make it a part of your life like brushing your teeth or taking a shower?
Read on for a few ways to add restful rhythms to your life.

1. Put your phone aside 

I’ve recently been listening to podcasts before bed. It’s a new favorite thing. I put the sleep timer on, turn my phone over, turn off the light and allow myself to think, and drift off. It moves my mind off the activities of the day and allows me to think about other things, I love it!

2. Keep books within arms reach Cropped shot of female hands with book and coffee. Female reading book on bed at night.

Reading has been said to reduce stress and increase your concentration and focus; these are two really good things. Why not read a book for the first couple minutes of the day, rather than looking at your phone, reading the news, or jumping out of bed? Ease into the day, don’t dive into it.

3. Add margin Woman reading while traveling with the train commuter journey sitting

I drive to work, and because of traffic, often leave up to an hour and a half before I’m due to be there (the commute is 35 minutes). Once I arrive early, I don’t have to rush out of the car, I can sit, read a book, make a phone call, and relax. After what can often be a stressful time on the road, this helps me to calm down before the rest of the day begins.
Where could you benefit from a little extra time?

4. Embrace napping Shot of a man relaxing on the sofa at home

When you get home from work on Friday at 6 or 7 and you’re heading out to meet friends at 9, nap. Or, use it as time to get ready at snail speed. Allowing yourself to recuperate will benefit you in the long-run.

5. Plug in Portrait of three people at kitchen cooking spaghetti for their dinner meal

Find your outlet, whether it’s painting, writing, reading, cooking, walking, hiking … whatever; and carve out time to do it a few times a week. Aim for short sessions but give yourself permission to go long when you’re in the mood for it, life was meant to be enjoyed!

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