An Uncommon Life is full, busy, and exciting. Living and working toward your dreams on a daily basis is amazing, but sometimes it can also be a little hectic.
To keep achieving and reaching your goals, you need to make time to relax and recharge your spirit – it is one of surest ways to keep your energy high, your mind creative, and your ability to go out and get what you want strong.
Balance is a huge part of my vision for an uncommon life – I want a lifestyle that is full of meaningful, challenging, and interesting work as well as ample time for reflection, taking care of my body, and enjoying a few creature comforts. I have found that my periods of greatest productivity occur when I am caring for myself just as seriously as I am caring for my business.
Yet time to relax and recharge is something you have to fight for – it won’t magically materialize.
Even in the uncommon life, balance needs to be a conscious thing. Today I’ve compiled some tips to help you bring more balance, rest, relaxation, and ultimately more productivity into your uncommon life.
Relaxation Quick Tips
Incorporate one or two of these immediately into your day to instantly get a relaxation fix
- Spend 20 minutes before you fall asleep reading a book for pleasure, not business
- Take the last ten minutes of your lunch break to sit quietly and alone outside in the sunshine
- Instead of driving, try walking to your errands (mailbox, corner store, bank) and play soothing music on your iPod or walk silently
- Get up 10 minutes earlier so you can sit and calmly enjoy your cup of coffee instead of drinking it on the go
- Ask your partner to give you a five minute shoulder massage
- Stop what you’re doing right now, and spend 60 seconds focusing on your breath – exhaling all the way out and gently breathing air back in
Relaxation Strategies
Start making time for these activities in your daily or weekly regimen – while they may seem like they are wasting precious time, they are actually preparing you to make the most of your work time and be more productive.
- Make time for exercise – just 30 minutes 3 times a week can release stress, improve blood circulation, and stimulate positive brain chemicals.
- Treat yourself to a professional massage – available in all price ranges, a professional massage can break up physical tension, soothe the mind, and also stimulate well being and relaxation
- Start meditating or conscious reflection – spending 15 minutes a few times a week in silence focusing on your breath and reflecting on your goals, accomplishments, and what you are grateful for will make you more centered
- Watch one movie a week just for fun – curl up on the couch, snuggle with your sweetie, and just enjoy some movie magic in your PJs. “Vegging out on the couch” is a great way to kick back – as long as its in moderation!
- Get out into nature as often as possible – making some time to get some sunshine, listen to birds singing, and witness the beauties of the natural world help keep us grounded and connected to our core. We are, after all, still part of this world even if we sometimes feel separate from it. Taking just 10 minutes a day outside can help improve concentration and well being – it will also help get that much needed vitamin D!
How do you relax and recharge? What is your optimal balance?
Here’s to your Uncommon Life,
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Twitter: ryanbiddulph
Great tips Nacie. I follow virtually all of them.
Mindfulness relaxes me. I slow down my eating, walking, and working. When I feel myself rushing, I simply stop what I’m doing. Mindfulness becomes a habit when you practice it enough.
I also breaks on the hour. I get up, walk away from the desk, and follow my breath for a 5 minute stretch. I return to work calm and ready for the next moment.
@Ryan: Mindfulness is certainly a great strategy. I am actually friends with Dr. Ellen Langer, from Harvard University, who pioneered Mindfulness. It it amazing what our minds can do, and when we realize just how much they control our bodies it is astounding.
Taking a break is also key – awesome tips, thanks for sharing