- Make time for self-care, such as yoga and meditation, to reduce stress and promote relaxation.
- Schedule regular spontaneity in your calendar — do something special once a week.
- Treat yourself to something luxurious like an at-home spa day or massage.
- Read books to help you stay informed, escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life, or gain perspective on important topics.
- Take a digital detox to reset your mind and refocus on the tasks at hand.
Life can be hectic. Between work, home obligations, and social engagements, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and stressed out. But busy female leaders don’t have to sacrifice their well-being in order to succeed. Here are some meaningful ways you can relax — no matter how busy your schedule is.
Make Time for Self-Care
Self-care is about taking the time to do something that brings you joy or helps you relax. Maybe that means journaling your thoughts, taking a bubble bath, or going for a walk outside. Whatever it is that brings you joy and comfort should be prioritized in your daily routine. Here are some ideas:
Try Yoga or Meditation
Yoga and meditation are two great ways to break from the daily life’s hustle and bustle. Both practices have been scientifically proven to improve mental health, reduce stress, and increase relaxation.
Yoga helps to improve posture, promote joint flexibility, and strengthen muscles. Meditation helps foster a more profound sense of inner peace and focus while calming the mind and body.
Schedule Regular Spontaneity
It’s easy to fall into a rut and get stuck in the same routine every day. To break up the monotony, try scheduling some spontaneity in your calendar. Pick one night you can devote to something special each week — like trying out a new restaurant, having a movie night with friends, or going on an adventure.
Treat Yourself
Sometimes you need something special—a little pick me up—to make you feel relaxed and rejuvenated. Treat yourself to something luxurious like an at-home spa day, a massage, or even just a cup of tea with your favorite pastry. These small indulgences can help boost your mood and provide a much-needed respite from life’s stresses.
Read Books
Reading is a great way to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life. It allows you to immerse yourself in another reality and take your mind off of daily worries. It can also help you learn about new topics and gain perspective on important issues. Here are some types of books for you to consider:
Academic Books
Reading academic books is a great way to stay informed, explore new topics, and expand your knowledge. It can give you an in-depth look at various aspects of a subject, with support from theories and evidence.
Academic books are especially helpful if you’re looking to understand complex concepts or research results in detail. They are also an excellent resource for brushing up on topics you may have studied in school.
Romance Books
Trying out good romance books with sweet heroes can also be a good distraction from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. They can provide an escape into a world where love conquers all and will leave you feeling hopeful and inspired. Plus, who doesn’t need a good love story every now and then?
Self-help Books
Self-help books can be beneficial when it comes to managing stress and anxiety. They offer guidance on how to better cope with life’s difficulties and provide insight into practical strategies for dealing with difficult situations. You can find a wide range of self-help books that target specific topics such as relationships, careers, or finances.
Take a Digital Detox
The internet has become an integral part of people’s lives, but it’s essential to take time away from the constant bombardment of emails and notifications. Carve out some time in your day to take a digital detox.
Put your phone down and go offline for a few hours so you’ll come back feeling refreshed and more focused on the task at hand. You can also try downloading a few apps to help you manage your digital detox.
If you find it hard, set a timer to ensure that you stay offline for the allotted time. You can also do this gradually by starting out with smaller chunks of time and gradually increasing the duration.
No matter how busy your days may be as an ambitious female leader, there are always ways to make time for relaxation and self-care. Taking moments throughout the day to check in with yourself will not only reduce stress levels but also help increase productivity overall. So go ahead and indulge in some me-time — you deserve it.