Twelve Ways To Find Your Zen

Our lives are so busy and chaotic it is often difficult to find things that help us relax or even bring us joy. Here is a list of 12 actions that can help you find some Zen throughout your day.

1. Give yourself an earlier bedtime

It could make a huge difference to your stress level if you switch up your nighttime routine.  Start to wind down an hour early.  Take an Epson salt bath, read a book, listen to a guided sleep meditation, play some relaxing nature sounds. Make a commitment to yourself to snuggle into bed 30 minutes earlier. It will help you start the next day well rested and recharged.

2. Purge the small things

You don’t have to spend all day cleaning the house, but pick a small area to focus on; like the junk drawer, a row of clothes in your closet, or a book shelf. Organizing and clearing the clutter will make you feel accomplished for the day.

3. Wear something red

Put on the red dress, dress shirt, or tie. Studies show that a ruby red tone can boost your confidence and your energy,

4. Make mantras a daily practice

Practicing I AM mantras can enhance your self-esteem.  Pick 3 mantras a day to repeat to yourself, at least 10 times in a row 3 times a day.  They can be positive statements that you believe about yourself or positive statements that you would like to manifest.  Examples: I am beautiful. I am smart. I am funny. I am loved, etc.

5. Have a dance party

Dancing is a fun way to bolster your mental and physical health. It can improve your posture and flexibility, lift your mood, and ease your anxiety. It also, sharpens the mind, increases strength, and can help reduce pain and stiffness. Make yourself a fun and motivating playlist and sing at the top of your lungs while shaking your booty,

6. Light a candle

Light a candle, defuse some oils, rub lotion in your hands. Smelling citrus or lavender scents have the ability to reduce your anxiety.

7. Pay it forward

Do something kind for someone else. It doesn’t have to be a grand gesture. You can hold the door open for someone. Do you have a neighbor that is unable to mow their yard, or shovel snow from their walkway?  If you have time help them out. Donate money, clothes, or foods to local charities.  We are currently living with covid and there are several people that are medically vulnerable, pick up their groceries for them.  Studies show that your own small acts of kindness can increase your own happiness while reducing stress.

8. Buy yourself flowers

Keep a fresh bouquet of flowers in your house or on your desk at work. Flowers have been thought to reduce depression and negativity. They also help to increase productivity in the workplace.

9. Dine by candlelight

Dining by a flickering light can bring a peaceful experience to your meal. It can also bring you a smaller waistline. Studies show that dining by a softer light slows you down allowing you to relax during meals. Eating in a relaxed state helps your digestion, which helps your weight.

10. Be grateful

Take a moment to appreciative the little things that brightened your day.  A finished project, a sunny day, your child’s laugh, a delicious meal. Make it a habit to find at least one thing every day for which you are thankful. It will help you recognize more of the good things in your life.

11. Enhance your senses

Next time you pop a piece of chocolate into your mouth close your eyes and smell it first. Hold it in your mouth for a few extra seconds savoring the taste.   It makes it taste so much better. When you crawl in bed feel the softness of your pillow and how it molds perfectly around your head.  Using your senses to be in tune with what is going on around you only enhances your experience.

12. Wake up happy

A great way to start your day off right is to meditate.  Begin your day with a clean slate by clearing your mind.  Pick your favorite quick, guided morning meditation and give yourself a few minutes to breathe.  After pick up a pen and write down your thoughts and goals for the day. Putting them to paper makes them more real, and easier to accomplish. Just before you jump into the shower go through a sun salutation yoga flow. It is a fast flow that with open your chest, hamstrings, and shoulders, while also releasing built up tension in these areas.