Life is a balancing act—right, friends? We’re all juggling family responsibilities, social events, work pressure, household tasks, and our own personal care...and there’s only twenty-four hours in every day.

It’s 100% normal to deal with stress on a daily basis. Stress is a normal part of life, whether we like it or not. However, that doesn’t mean that we have to live in a constant state of chaos, overwhelm, and anxiety.

With a little bit of mindfulness, we can bring more peace into our daily routines. And while it might be unrealistic to expect to completely banish stress, a few intentional practices can help us manage day-to-day stressors and bring a little more zen into our busy lives.  

STRETCH IT OUT

Moving your body is one of the best ways to manage stress. And while high intensity workouts are a great way to release steam, stretching is the best way reach a more chill headspace. So, next time stress is getting to you, hit up a yoga class or pull out a foam roller. These activities will help you breathe deeper, stay in alignment, and flush toxins from your body.

GET GROUNDED

If your thoughts are tangled and your anxiety is rising, it might be time to take a breather. Even if your schedule is packed from dawn till dusk, find five or ten minutes to sit in silence. You can journal, meditate, practice gratitude...or just sit quietly and let your mind untangle itself before getting back to your to-do list.

TREAT YOURSELF—THE SMART WAY

At the end of a hard day, you might be tempted to swing by the coffee shop, the vending machine, or the bar to reward yourself for surviving another twenty-four hours. And while we’re all for self-care and self-love, too often, our go-to “rewards” don’t do us any favors in the long run. Next time, go ahead and treat yourself, but find a way to care for your body and your emotions at the same time. Try: a delicious smoothie, a green juice, or your favorite herbal tea.

RECONNECT WITH MOTHER NATURE

There’s something incredibly healing about spending time outdoors when your mind is racing and your body is exhausted. When you’re struggling to juggle it all, take fifteen minutes to walk around the block or sit on your porch—or just roll down your window while you’re driving through the neighborhood (even if it’s a little chilly these days).

TAKE TEN MINUTES OF “ME TIME”

Feeling drained, stressed, and burnt out from the constant demands on your time and energy? Allow yourself a short break to relax. Listen to part of a podcast, collapse in bed for a cat nap, paint your nails, or try a new smoothie recipe. Tune out distractions and mindfully be present with yourself for just ten minutes—you’ll be recharged and re-energized by the end.

PUT DOWN YOUR PHONE

When life is stressful and busy, it’s easy to default to reaching for your phone at every opportunity, whether during a commercial break, while in line at the supermarket, or while at a stoplight. But it’s time to break the habit. Because, let’s be honest, nothing raises your heart rate faster than the latest breaking news, the comment war on your coworker’s Facebook text, or the most recent group text thread about who’s hosting this year’s holiday celebration. So, keep your phone in your pocket and take a few quiet, deep breaths instead. You’ll feel better...we promise.

We hope these simple habits will help you manage the balancing act of life and find a little extra peace in the process!