Back to Basics

For years, I’ve searched for ways to improve my life and direct it on a simpler path. When the going gets tough, I get going with these trusty practices that always help me refocus on what really matters.

Practice mindfulness. Be in the moment. Instead of worrying about the week’s long to-do list during dinner, mindfully participate in the here and now: the food, the company, the conversation. Instead of trying to do laundry or clean the kitchen while you’re on the phone, find a comfortable place to sit and really focus on the call. Don’t be constantly checking your e-mail as you’re working; turn everything else off and really concentrate on the report you’re writing.

Laugh out loud. Life is always going to have its low points, but being able to laugh them off and not take things too seriously always helps lighten the blow from whatever is bringing me down.

Get some sleep. We have become a nation of sleep-deprived citizens. Getting into bed at 8 p.m. with a great book and turning the light out an hour later, or even just taking a quality nap in the afternoon can do more for your mood than any number of bubble baths or massages.

Hum along. Music soothes more than just the savage beast. One study found that music stimulates the parts of the brain that produce happiness the same way food and sex do. In another study, adults who listened to their choice of music during outpatient eye surgery had significantly lower heart rates, blood pressure, and cardiac workload as those who had silent surgery.

Declutter. You’ve heard me say this many times, but here it goes again. Just get rid of it! It’s almost impossible to relax when everything around you is covered with papers, your cabinets are bulging with junk and you’re too disorganized to even think about balancing your checkbook. Plus, the repetitive nature of certain cleaning tasks (sweeping, wiping, scrubbing, etc.) can be meditative in and of themselves.

Make a list. There’s nothing like writing down your tasks to help you calm your anxiety. It’s a great way to organize your thoughts and checking off each item provides a great sense of fulfillment.

Put it on the shelf for 24 hours. When situations arise that you really don’t have a good solution for (whatever the reason), do yourself a favor and sleep on it. Nine times out of ten you’ll deal with it differently the following day than if you simply react to it. It’s always a good idea to give issues some time in order to come up with a solution you’re really happy with.

Work in the garden. You probably already know that exercise is better than tranquilizers for relieving anxiety and stress. Not only do fresh air and exercise provide their own stress reduction and feelings of well-being, but the sense of accomplishment that comes from clearing a weedy patch, watching your seeds turn into flowers, or pruning out dead wood will last for hours if not days.

Learn to cook. When I cook, I completely let go and think of nothing but the simple act of putting ingredients together. Just like working in the garden, the action in itself is a great stress reliever. It also feels great to be able to share your creation with friends and family!

Tune out the news. For one week, go without reading the newspaper, watching the news, or scanning online headlines. Instead, take a vacation from the misery the media exposes us to everyday and use that time to walk, meditate, or write in a journal.

Get a pet. Caring for an animal companion is priceless. In return, they give you a truly unconditional love like no one else can. Studies have shown that cuddling and petting an animal can also help lower blood pressure.

Volunteer. Helping others enables you to put your own problems into perspective and also provides healthy social interaction. While happy people are more likely to help others, helping others makes you happier.

Spend time alone. Although relationships are one of the best antidotes to stress, sometimes you just need time alone to recharge and reflect. I try to spend one day a week on my own either browsing through my favorite second-hand store or simply reading a good book. Try to visit quiet locations like libraries, museums, gardens, or places of worship. They provide great breaks from the frantic pace of today’s world.

These practices have improved both my personal and professional lives. They help clarify my intentions and goals every day and if you let them, they can do the same for you. Just sayin’.

Published: New Mexico Apartment News Magazine – September/October issue 2013