These actions can help you take your mind off problems, lift your spirits, and make you feel better.
Sometimes you want to be distracted during a break or to take some free time. At such moments, it is easy to succumb to temptation and pick up your phone, turn on a TV show, or go to an online store. But all this is unlikely to restore strength. Blogger Trent Hamm advises filling in the spare parts of the day with simple things that somehow improve your life. He himself performs a couple of items from the list during his work break and does more on weekends.
1. Sit outside for 5-10 minutes without distraction
Find a comfortable spot with good visibility. Take a bottle of water or a cup of coffee with you, but leave your phone. Just look around and notice the little things. For example, watch a child learning to ride a bike. Or feel the warmth of the sun on your skin. This will make you feel connected to the world around you.
Read also: 6 Bedtime Tips To Avoid Bloating And Stimulate Weight Loss
2. Walk around the neighborhood
Walking is a great low-intensity workout. It will help to invigorate and improve blood circulation. Fresh air, sunshine, and the opportunity to explore the surroundings will energize you.
3. Take a walk in the park
This combines the benefits of a short walk with being in nature. These forest baths soothe and improve health.
4. Drink a glass of water
Water is essential for all body systems. It will help to cheer up and muffle the feeling of hunger.
5. Do a short stretch.
Afterward, you will feel more relaxed and mobile. You can also combine stretching with listening to a podcast or audiobook. Just remember to warm up before doing this. Run in place or jump.
6. Get out of the car
Over time, garbage accumulates in the cabin; wrappers, empty bottles, bags, receipts, dirt from shoes, dust on the glass. All this does not allow you to feel comfortable in the car. Throw away debris, vacuum the floor, wipe down the dashboard. Now getting into the car will be much more pleasant.
7. Eat something healthy
For example, a fruit or vegetable. It is especially pleasant outdoors. Take a banana or apple with you and sit outside, as described in the first paragraph.
8. Document a day in your life
Take pictures of the surrounding objects or what you are doing at regular intervals. For example, every 15 minutes, half an hour, or an hour. Then put all the photos for the day in one folder and add descriptions to them. This in itself is exciting, and besides, you will wonder what exactly you are spending your time on. It is also exciting to view such photos after a couple of months. A perfectly ordinary day will turn into a memorable event.
9. Help someone without expecting anything in return
Bring a heavy bag, do something useful for your neighbors, or just a stranger. It won’t take long, but you will feel much better.
10. Collect the things you don’t use to donate to charity
Take a large bag and put everything you don’t use anymore in it. Someone can still use these things. This will free up space at home and help others at the same time.
11. Read an excerpt from a smartbook
Pick up a book on a topic you have been interested in for a long time. Read several pages a day and ponder the information. This way, you will learn the material gradually and let the ideas settle in your head.
12. Do a deed that has long haunted you
We all have a to-do list that we put off. For example, fix the faucet or clean the bathroom. Pick one thing and do it. If you can’t do it all at once, at least start. You will move forward, and things will get a little easier.
13. Thank someone who recently helped you.
If something useful or pleasant was done for you, take a couple of minutes and express your gratitude. Write a message and sincerely thank the person. It’s great to know that your help is appreciated.
14. Have a small picnic
Turn a walk around the area into a little adventure. Bring some tasty food with you, find a comfortable place, and eat outdoors. Don’t pick up your phone to avoid distractions. Relax and enjoy your food.
15. Concentrate on your breath for 5 minutes.
Close your eyes and focus on inhaling and exhaling. If you are distracted by any thoughts, return to breathing again. It will help you cope with anxiety and give you a sense of control and calmness. The effect is not always immediately noticeable but works wonders in the long run.
16. Take a long shower or soak in the bath
Usually, we perform this procedure automatically, not paying attention to the sensations. Take your time this time, enjoy your bath, and wash thoroughly. You will become more cheerful and energetic.
17. Do some simple bodyweight exercises
It is enough to work out for 10-15 minutes. You will warm up, and your brain will release endorphins. Immediately after such a warm-up, your mood will improve, and over time, your physical shape will also improve.
18. Cook Something Special
We usually cook simple meals. Spend more time this time to please yourself and your loved ones with something special. For example, before frying meat, please keep it in the marinade for an hour or two. It is not difficult, but the finished dish will have a rich taste. And you will see that you can eat deliciously at home too.
Also read: 3 Worst Ways To Fight Insomnia
19. Think of something for which you are grateful.
Think about the things that make your life better. It can be anything: a loved one, a good book, your favorite chair, or just sunny weather. Think about it for a couple of minutes, and you will feel happier.
20. Spend 15 minutes cleaning
Throw away the trash and arrange things in their places. Even this is enough to make your home more comfortable. It is not necessary to tidy up the whole apartment. Clean up your kitchen or workplace, and you will already notice the difference. In the process, you will probably find things that previously inspired and delighted you in the processYou, but then you forgot about them. Give them a second chance.
Adapted and translated by Wiki Avenue Staff
Sources: Life hacker