6 Lifestyle ‘Swaps’ to Help you Get More Out of Your Me Time
Our ‘me time’, the time we take to recharge and be alone with our thoughts, is so important when it comes to reducing stress and maintaining balance in your life. You can transform your downtime into moments of true rejuvenation and fulfillment with a few simple lifestyle swaps:
1. Swap Scrolling Socials with Brain Boosting Puzzles
Social media is designed to keep you trapped in an infinite cycle of mindless scrolling. Avoid the trap (and give your brain a little boost) by opting, instead, to play some puzzle games. Putting your phone down and pulling out a jigsaw puzzle or some crosswords is the best way to keep your mind sharp. Other great, brain-boosting options include:
- Sudoku
- Chess/Checkers
- Word searches
- Board games
2. Swap Computer Time with A Good Book
It’s easy to get caught up spending too much of your me time browsing the internet or playing computer games. If you already spend a lot of time on the computer or looking at screens, it’s important to give yourself a decent break every once in a while.
Reading a good old fashioned book is the best way to give your eyes a rest and your brain a nice workout. Research has shown that reading helps to connect different parts of your brain, allowing you to process information faster and learn new information more quickly.
3. Swap Mindless Background Noise with ‘Musical Meditation’
Sometimes you just want to kick your feet up and let the telly play in the background while you scroll on your phone. Our brains love stimulation – but it’s really important to make sure you’re using some of your me time to let your brain rest. Putting on some gentle music or nature sounds while you have a little ‘mind reset’ can actually help to keep you from getting distracted and deepen your state of relaxation.
4. Swap Indoor Activities with an Outdoor Adventure
Whether you’re squeezing in a workout, reading a book, or getting creative, it’s always fun to shake things up by taking it outdoors. Being outside and one with nature is a grounding experience – and it’s amazing for your health. It can boost your mood, stimulate creativity, and enhance the benefits of exercise. Take your shoes off and get your feet on some green grass!
5. Swap Having a Shower with a Sensory Bath
You can add a little bit of extra me time into your routine by swapping your regular shower with a soothing bath that stimulates your senses to deepen your relaxation. Light a candle, play some relaxing tunes, maybe bring a book – whatever helps you unwind and enhances the relaxing atmosphere. Adding epsom salts to the water can help to soothe your muscles if you’re feeling sore.
6. Swap Coffee Time & Sugary Drinks with Herbal Tea
Brewing and drinking herbal tea has been practiced as a way to unwind for thousands of years. Instead of pairing your me time with a beverage loaded with caffeine and/or sugar, consider trying a cup of green or herbal tea instead. Herbal teas contain amino acids that promote relaxation and vitamins that reduce stress and inflammation.
Incorporating some of these lifestyle swaps into your routine can help to elevate your me time and boost personal growth. Remember, it’s the small changes that can lead to significant transformations in your wellbeing, health, and quality of life.
