Simple Step #4:  Take Time For Yourself Once A Week, If Not A Day

One of the most important pieces of advice that I hear whether it is from a mentor at work or within a healthy living magazine or blog is that it’s important to take a little bit of time for yourself.  Now, I’m not saying spend hours a day pampering or rewarding yourself, but setting aside 30 minutes a day to do something special that you enjoy is a good way to start and keep it real and achievable.  What I have been doing, when possible, is actually taking a full 30 minute lunch break on most days and really removing myself from work to enjoy my lunch, give my mom or hubby a quick phone call, or skim through a magazine.  I started this last week and although I admit I didn’t get to do it every day, doing it when I could really helped me through the rest of my day for a number of reasons:  it helped me refocus, reduced my stress levels, aided in better digestion (since I ate slower!), and felt a little more well-rested for the remainder of the afternoon.

Don’t have any ideas on how to implement this?  Here are a few of some ways that I am going to try out:

• Go for a walk outside (when the weather is not super frigid of course!)
• Read a book you enjoy
• Paint your nails or get a manicure
• Take some time to stretch or do some quick yoga
• Grab a cup of coffee or tea with a friend
• Bake or cook something for a friend
• Try out a new workout tape or class
• Do something you’ve been wanting to do and have been putting off (is it sad that mine is to go to Trader Joe’s?!)

Hopefully after reading these ideas, one of these items will jump out at you and seem appealing.  Enjoy yourself