Life can get overwhelming at times. If you are dealing with all life’s complications while also living with a chronic illness, things probably feel even tougher. It can be all too easy to feel worn out and overwhelmed when you’ve got an overflowing plate. These practical dos and don’ts from Nicole Zapoli Fitness can make dealing with the daily grind a little less taxing and life a little more relaxing for all. 

Find Peace and Balance in Your Home

Spending more time at home usually feels like a treat. But if you have a large family or conflicting personalities in your house, tension and stress can build quickly. It’s important to remember to reduce negativity by taking time for self-care habits, like meditation and mindfulness, especially if you’re a parent. You can also reduce tension by tidying up your home, being creative, and being mindful. 

It is also good for your mental state to declutter. When you have time at home, pick a room in the house to straighten up. Toss items you no longer use, and find ways to organize the remaining items. Once things have a designated place, it is easier to keep the room in good order. 

Do Find Ways to Keep Yourself Active 

Being more mindful during meditation, chores, and relaxation time is a good way to refocus your energy on the present and feel more positive. Regular exercise is also good for your body and mind because it encourages the production of feel-good chemicals in your brain for a big mood boost. So make time in your day for some exercise to take advantage of this natural mood-enhancing high. And check in with Nicole Zapoli Fitness for personal and group fitness sessions! 

Pick Up a New Hobby Like Gardening 

Gardening is an ideal way to get outside and get a little exercise in as well. These are just two of the ways that getting your hands dirty and growing your favorite veggies or flowers can boost your mental health and reduce stress. Before getting started, you should consult online resources that offer in-depth product reviews and expert gardening advice – Home Garden Hero (https://homegardenhero.com/) is a great place to start. 

Don’t Stress Over Electronics 

Whether you work out at home or out on a trail to relieve stress, you’re going to want to bring your phone for safety or to run workout tracking apps. Before you do, make sure your tech is protected from drops and spills with a high-quality screen protector. When you’re already stressed, the last thing you need is the extra hassle of having to replace pricey technology. 

Do Divide Responsibilities Evenly 

Men can get overwhelmed by daily life, too, but this tip is especially for women. Studies show that when additional stresses, like the recent pandemic, strain our sense of normalcy, women tend to bear the larger burden. U.S. News reports that women have been putting in more overtime when it comes to taking care of the home and kids — while also working from home. If this sounds like you, it may be time to level with your partner or even your children about dividing chores and taking some of the pressure off of you. 

Don’t Feel Guilty for Taking “Me” Time 

This “don’t” is especially for parents. As a parent, your primary focus is your children, and that’s understandable. At the same time, Thrive Global reminds us that taking care of yourself is a must if you want to have the physical energy and mental bandwidth to take care of others, including your little ones. If your schedule is packed, finding time could be as simple as waking up a little earlier for self-care. 

Self-care can range from taking a walk to getting a massage or reading a book. Really, anything that makes you happy can be self-care. So if you’ve wanted to pursue a new degree, signing yourself up for classes can also be self-care. In fact, this may be a good option if you are considering re-entering the work world or switching careers. And there are many online programs that allow you to take classes online at your own pace, so it won’t add too much stress to your daily routine.

Do Make Time for Check-Ups 

Self-care isn’t selfish at all and is particularly critical for parents. One self-care step that parents and many other adults skip, however, is keeping up with routine medical appointments and screenings to manage their physical and mental health. It is important that you check in with your healthcare or mental health provider to address any concerns and seek treatment for health issues. 

Don’t Fall Victim to a Pattern of Sleep Deprivation 

Make getting quality sleep a top priority. Unfortunately, most of us are missing out on this health and wellness essential, and this can have severe consequences. Putting any of the tips above into practice will help you sleep better, and so can powering off screens a few hours before bed. 

Don’t Stay in a Toxic Workplace

More than ever, it’s crucial that you find a job that supports your mental and physical health. So if your job doesn’t encourage time off or offer any kind of employee retention initiatives, it’s time to move on. For parents, that has the added benefit of demonstrating a healthy sense of self-worth to your children. But do make sure you have another job lined up before you take that leap. To prepare for that transition, take time to update your resume. 

Take Steps Towards Happiness and Balance

Everyone is dealing with a lot right now, so it makes sense that you need to put a little more time and effort into taking care of yourself. Make time for self-care and relaxation, but also find time to step outside for exercise and fresh air; gardening is a great way to do both! Find what makes you happy in life and in your career, and take steps to achieve it, whether it is leaving a toxic work environment or going back to school. Above all, remember that taking care of yourself is never selfish! 

Nicole Zapoli Fitness empowers others toward living their strongest, healthiest, happiest lives possible. Contact us today to learn more! 

Photo Credit: Frazier Graphix

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