These days it seems like everyone is busier than ever. We’re working 40+ hours a week while trying to get to the gym, see friends and family, wash our hair and perhaps eat something other than Starbucks breakfast sandwiches. I know in my own experience, by the time I actually get home some days it’s 8pm and I still need to have dinner, catch up on laundry and walk the dog. I know I’m not alone on this either, so I’ve rounded up some products, services and tips that I’ve used to ensure that no matter how busy life gets, we’re still taking care of ourselves mentally and physically.
Ordering Groceries Online
Online shopping in general has saved my bacon on numerous occasions. It is super easy to use AND many of the “big box” stores have wine!! There are two options when shopping most websites; pick up or home delivery. Choosing to have the groceries delivered to your house can cost upwards of $15 depending on the time of day you want it dropped off. For some of you, this will totally be worth the money. If you have small children, are not feeling well, or are just too busy to leave the house, having your groceries delivered could be a lifesaver. For those of you who want to save on the delivery fee, you can place your order online and pick it up at the store, some providers even offering this service for FREE. Yes I said free, and you hardly need to get out of your car. One great thing about this service is that if you order before noon, you are likely able to pick up your groceries that same evening, so if you are a last-minute shopper like me this is the ideal way to get some fresh groceries. It’s so much better than wandering aimlessly around the grocery store while struggling to stick to your list! *note* this service is not available at all grocery stores and will vary from city to city, check your local store to see what services they offer!
Meditation: There’s an App for That!
There are tons of articles and research studies conducted on the benefits on meditation. It reduces stress, controls anxiety, and if you get really invested in your practice, it can strengthen your pain management abilities. This all sounds wonderful, but in this modern age our schedules are jam packed and the last thing on many of our agendas is setting aside time for meditation in spite of the many potential benefits. I’m sure many of us like the idea of adding meditation to our daily routine, but how does one get started?
I had been listening to a podcast recently when I heard one of the hosts talking about a guided meditation app called Insight Timer. My ears perked as she mentioned the words quick, simple and FREE to download on my phone. Of course I had to try it. I downloaded the app and right away I noticed how simple the format was. even if you only have 5 minutes or less, Insight Timer had a ton of recordings of guided meditations that I could listen to, many with interesting themes such as “Inner Awareness” and “Tell Yourself Relax.” I really liked the fact that on my lunch break I could pop in my headphones and zone out for a few minutes before getting on with my day. Listening to guided meditations is great for beginners like me, as it keeps your mind from wandering off in too many crazy directions! Give it a try and let us know what you think!
Stay Hydrated!
Everyone knows that drinking enough water throughout the day is super beneficial for your health. I love the taste of water (yes it has a taste!) so downing the recommended amount for me is usually no problem, but some people do find water quite boring. If you’re looking for a more interesting way to stay hydrated simply throw some healthy goodies into the mix! When I do get fancy with my water, I usually choose lemon slices and fresh mint. Not only is this a delicious flavour combo but it also has major health benefits: Mint can alleviate inflammation and aids in digestion, while lemons contain Vitamin C which is a great antioxidant. Other yummy options are cucumber, rosemary and grapefruit, oranges, strawberries… experiment a little with ingredients until you find your favourite!
Keep in mind, you should be giving your fruits and herbs a good wash before adding them to the water. If you’re like me and are constantly concerned about food-borne bacteria, there are many veggie-washing sprays and liquids that you can order online if you want to take your produce cleaning routine up a notch! Your water will taste fresh for longer and won’t harbor potentially harmful bacteria.
Seek Simple Pleasures
The phrase “Treat Yo Self” has become a mantra of sorts these days (thanks Parks and Rec!) and although it may not be fiscally responsible to indulge in fine leather goods and massages all the time, there are little things you can do for yourself that are affordable but still enjoyable. These small acts of self-pampering will be different for each person, but should be easy enough that they won’t take much time or forethought. It could be something as simple as having fresh cut flowers in your kitchen, grabbing a sheet mask on your way through the drugstore, or stopping in at your local library to pick up the newest bestseller. Figure out what little things you love, and make it happen for yourself! It might surprise you how something as simple as a nice chocolate bar or your favourite hair mask can elevate your mood and get you in the right mindset to conquer anything on your to-do list.
What are your self-care routines? Do you have your own magical water ingredients that we might have missed? Share in the comments!
