No matter what you’re chasing or up against—like planning your wedding while working overtime—life can be crazy. There never seems to be enough time to check everything off your to-do list, especially if you’re always on the go. Here are some tips and tricks for staying calm while managing your load.
Plan for meals and snacks. You have enough to think about, so don’t overload yourself with any extra, unnecessary decision-making. When it comes to eating, shop for all your weekday meals at the beginning of the week and prep them in bulk ahead of time. Try pre-packaged smoothie bags for a healthy breakfast, and prep veggies and your favorite proteins to build out your meals for the entire week. For moments when you need a quick and convenient burst of energy, be sure to keep ready-made, protein-packed snacks on hand.
Sneak in a workout. Truthfully, you don’t need more than 20 minutes to fit in a great workout. Short bursts of high-intensity exercise, like interval training, can be more effective. If you’re stuck at a desk for most of the day, try a few sets of pushups or crunches in between meetings. Or take the stairs instead of the elevator, or park farther away from your office — the extra steps add up. If you’re traveling, take your workout on the road with you by downloading a fitness app. With one tap, your hotel room becomes a gym!
Make music part of your routine. If you’re feeling mentally tense or worn out, music’s always a wonderful way to collect oneself or reinvigorate your state of mind. Stressed at work? Stressed with all the planning? Rock out listening to a relaxing playlist or the sounds of nature in the background. You’ll feel your mood shift in no time!
Schedule some me time. In the middle of your busy schedule, don’t forget to prioritize some time for yourself. Block off time on your calendar to catch up with friends. Plan a date night with your man. Pick up your favorite treat at the grocery store and indulge yourself. Take it a step further and get a massage or start planning the perfect vacation. “Me time” gives you a chance to recharge your batteries before returning to your everyday routines. You’ll be able to tackle the next day’s agenda with a clear head.
Don’t push yourself too hard. Planning your wedding is exciting. Add that on top of an already active, on-the-go lifestyle can at times feel like too much. Pushing yourself to the limit is good occasionally, but it’s not something you should do all the time. If you’re feeling stressed, take some time to evaluate the situation. You might need to ask for help or move something off your plate. Also, be sure to make time for what matters most to you.
No matter how packed your schedule is, there’s always room for peace and calm. With these tips, you’ll be able to wave away any stress in favor of a more chillaxed frame of mind.