The UN-to-do list: Put these ideas on your list of things to do today!
Make some time to prioritise YOU!
As soon as you wake up, the to-do list starts coming for you: Your phone sends you a reminder, your calendar is jammed with appointments and your inbox is sitting at 500 unread messages.
But the list of things to do is never done.
So, instead of racing through it, start carving out some time for ‘un-to-do’ moments, where you prioritise the need to pause, reflect and recharge … without any guilt.
The UN-to-do list you need to follow…
Find something to NOT do
There are things you just need to do. We get it. But perhaps there are one or two things on your list that you could delete or delegate without the world falling down around you.
Often these are the things that have been languishing on the list for days or weeks. If they haven’t been done yet, do they really need to be?
Dance like nobody’s watching
A mood-boosting, stress-busting groove does wonders for your health and happiness – and it’s as easy as a quick boogie in your living room! Not only are you expressing yourself and getting a little movement in your day, you’re also releasing endorphins.
Plus, you’re improving your balance, coordination, flexibility, memory and cognitive function by challenging your grey matter.
Find a ‘sit spot’ outside
It could be on your balcony, back doorstep or under a tree. Find a spot to sit with your cup of tea, pet or favourite person, and take 10 minutes to just … sit. Let your mind slow down, wander and relax.
Embrace the JOMO
Instead of being motivated by the fear of missing out (FOMO), recognise that there can be a whole lot of joy in saying no to that next invitation.
Busy isn’t better. If you don’t feel like going out, stay in (without the guilt).
You can’t pour from an empty cup –
so ditch the guilt when it comes to carving out time to look after you each day.
Take an ‘unplugged’ walk
If you normally walk and listen to music or podcasts, try going ‘unplugged’ for some of your steps. Natural sounds like birds singing, leaves rustling or waves lapping help to calm your mind and focus on the world around you.
Normalise ‘no’
It can be hard to go against the tide, but if you’re feeling pressure to keep up with the standards other people set, be brave enough to just say no.
Your house doesn’t have to be pristine before people come to visit. Your kids don’t need a new outfit for the party. Just do your best and be real about it.
Chances are that other people are feeling overwhelmed too and will appreciate your reality check!
Contrast therapy
You don’t need to book into a spa to benefit from getting chilly! A quick jump in the ocean, pool, even a burst of cold water at the end of your shower has loads of upsides – releasing feel-good hormones and leaving you feeling refreshed and more upbeat.
Plus, it calms your nerves, reduces inflammation and soothes sore muscles. When you warm up again, your blood gets a turbo-boost, helping you to heal faster.
Be a bookworm
Just 10 minutes a day of reading is like a workout and a day spa for your brain in one! Getting lost in a good story can melt away stress, improve your memory and cognitive function, boost your mood, expand your knowledge, and even improve your sleep, so never feel guilty about time spent reading.
Get connected
Not with technology – real world people! Spending time with loved ones is a major boost for your health and wellbeing. Good friends are like sunshine, brightening your day, and sharing problems makes everything easier. Cherish those invaluable moments.
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