Regardless of how old you are, adulting is difficult. Every now and again, the stresses of daily life can feel like they’re grinding you down to your core. Whether it’s your mundane drive to the office, or the waiter getting your order wrong at lunch, or the list of chores that seems to have been piling up for months, everyone experiences a stress that makes them feel like the world is ending.
First, know that this feeling is normal and that you aren’t alone. Second, understand that there are ways you can make it better! Some of these methods are tried and true and backed by science - others are just a way I personally keep myself together.
No matter who you are or what you’ve got going on, these simple activities can make your life a little easier this week:
1. Take the time to meditate
Whether you’re into astrology and check your horoscope regularly or fall more into the camp of “that’s just the way things happen,” setting aside a few moments for yourself every day can really make a difference. If meditating isn’t your forte, it might feel a bit weird at first. Personally, I know when I started meditating it felt as if I were phoning it in. I couldn’t help but think “Is this actually helping? Do I look stupid?” After doing some research, I found that there are a ton of ways to meditate that have been deemed “less weird” in my book. Surprisingly, I found the most helpful meditation tips in Cosmo’s September issue.
Something as simple as repeating a mantra to yourself can level your mind, center your focus, and give you a mini reset, no matter what part of the day you’re trying to tackle. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, try repeating “I can get through this” quietly to yourself. Step outside and take a breath of fresh air if you have to. The health of your body and your mind should always be a top priority, so don’t feel silly if you have to do so!
2. Make a list
Whether it’s a list of positive thoughts, a list of everything you need to get done, or a list of the people on your mind, jot those thoughts down on a piece of paper. Handwriting things help us to better remember things, so if you’ve got a lot of important tasks to accomplish, writing your to-do list out will keep you organized and help ensure you don’t forget anything! If you’re worried about paper cluttering up, you can keep a mental list. Remember to mentally tick things off as you complete them!
3. Create a routine
Hang a calendar on your fridge or invest in a planner with a fun print to keep yourself organized and motivated. Maintain a regular schedule and plan out your weeks ahead of time so you know what to expect on a day-to-day basis. Using a calendar will help to ensure you get everything done - plus, studies have shown that physically ticking something off of your to-do list provides you with immense personal satisfaction. It’s an easy way to give yourself the pat on the back you deserve. In addition to all of the stuff that you need to get done, make a routine out of stuff that’s good for you. Create a loose schedule of “good-for-your-body” stuff, like exercise, meditation, even shopping! It’s important to work fun things into your schedule to help maintain your sanity.
4. Stay active
Something as simple as a walk around the block can keep your head in check and get your blood flowing. If you feel like you’re stuck in a rut, whether it’s a creative lull in a personal endeavor, a physical plateau you just can’t seem to get over, or simply struggling to find the motivation to get daily chores done, a quick jaunt can really boost your energy and motivate you to do what you have to do. Exercise kills two birds with one stone - it keeps your body healthy, and it keeps your mind happy.
5. Maintain a regular sleep schedule
You’ve probably been hearing it for years. Getting the recommended 7-8 hours of sleep can really work wonders, though. A good dose of sleep allows your body the time it needs to reset and gives you a great platform to start the next day from. Getting enough sleep will leave you feeling more focused; like you have more energy to do those physical things you love; and most importantly, the drive to cross everything off of your to-do list!
Do yourself a favor and make your life easier! Kill it in the adulting world with these helpful habits.
