Top Five Ways to Add A Little Extra "ME" Time Every Day

Stop your scroll! This is a must read. It's non-negotiable and you will feel SO much better if you incorporate at least 3 of these 5 things in your every day routine.

This goes for every parent out there (fur-parents count also).

Ya'll, the holidays are coming and I don't know about you, but that means higher stress levels. I am not talking about higher stress because Christmas is stressful. I am talking higher stress levels because work is busy, the kids have half days at school followed by two and half weeks off of school (which can be very stressful for parents who are working AND for those who are stay at home parents). Things get crazy. We get overwhelmed, over stimulated and we surely are not relaxed. Often times, aren't even having "fun." If you focus on these top five things to add ( I know it may sound overwhelming by "adding" something to your day but I promise you, it's worth every second), you will be amazed at how much better you feel. You will feel fantastic knowing that although it's a small thing, you did it for YOU.

1. Take A Drive. BY YOURSELF. Go ahead! Set sail. You fasten your seatbelt, buckle up and head north (even if it's only for 10-15 min.) For me, especially this time of year, I tend to get seasonal depression (which I will talk about overcoming in another blog, another must-read). I work remotely and have worked remotely for over 5 years. It surely has its perks but also definitely has its downfalls. When I pull out of my garage and it's a quiet, safe space...I'm able to think for myself for a minute. Not for my kids, not for work, not for the next "fun" social media post but for me. Often times, I drive in silence because I am so used to constant chaos and noise with dogs and kids. Taking a drive allows you to embrace YOU. It allows you to embrace the quiet. It allows you to embrace your true thoughts. I absolutely realize being in "the quiet" isn't for everyone. I speak from experience in the anxiety department and being in quiet can trigger further anxiety. During the holidays, I've learned that while Christmas music is fun to listen to, it can also be exhausting and maybe for some a reminder of less than perfect memories. Therefore, I suggest switching to classical or smooth music. For me, I've been listening to smooth jazz Christmas music because it calms me, yet brightens my spirits knowing my children are excited for what's to come around the holidays. When you take that drive, look around you. Look at the scenery. Take some deep breaths and be grateful that you took this time to be with yourself. You are guaranteed to return home feeling refreshed and definitely in a lighter mood than you left.

2. Get Up and Move. Doesn't matter what you're doing this very second. Get up and dance or do a few jumping jacks. I personally enjoy dancing (especially when nobody is looking). Turn on some amazing flashback hits ( cue some Whitney Houston "I Want To Dance With Somebody" or some Michael Jackson). There's just something about both of those artists that makes you want to bust a move. Movement is a key to your bodies happiness. It automatically cues and surges those endorphins. You will be so thankful for this five minutes! If you're not into busting a move, get your buns outside and take a walk for at least 7-10 minutes. Five minutes if you're strapped for time or "on the clock." Movement is medicine.

3. Write Things Down. For those of you that feel overwhelmed with "journaling," I completely understand. That word alone overwhelms me. When I think of journaling, I automatically think it has to be something long and detailed. I am here to tell you, it doesn't have to be a journal entry. It doesn't even have to be your current thoughts because that too, can be overwhelming. But let me tell you - writing things down is powerful and it will boost your mood if you are intentional. Grab a piece of paper and something to write with, this moment (if you're at your desk, you can grab a post it), and write down 3 things you love. This can be your kids, your pets, your home, your favorite shoes. Sit on that for a minute. This is a moment of gratitude for you and the things you love. From there, you will get your creative juices flowing. Whether it's your love for outdoors or your love for having the ability to take a nap, you are being intentional with the words you are writing and in turn, you have created a simple and quick way to utilize some ME time and boost your mood.

4. Phone A Friend or A Family Member. We all have phones but unfortunately these days, we all use them for other things rather than picking up our phones and calling people like we used to. Physically talking to someone can go a long way. Who have you been meaning to call and just feel like at the end of every day, you yet again, ran out of time and you're now thinking about it at 10:00 PM? I don't know about you, but I've been very intentional about reaching out to others. If you have not yet read my blog on Power of Checking In, please do. It's a must-read and you can change someone's life by a simple check in, including your own. If a phone call is overwhelming, send a text saying hello. Human to human interaction and connection can boost your mood in seconds.

5. Make Your Bathroom Your Happy Place. Yeah, I said it. While it drives me crazy when my husband is in the bathroom watching reels for 20+ minutes, I have since realized it's his quiet time. When you're a parent, quiet time is very few and far in between. Your kids can deal for 10 minutes! Stay in that bathroom for 10+ minutes. Lock the door and take a bath. Fill it with bubbles and epsom salts to detox your body and release any negative vibes. This will allow you to de-escalate any overwhelming thoughts and bring forward your best self. What's even better? Light some candles and take a deep breath. If you're a reader - grab a book.

You are doing this for YOU.