I am a living example (as are millions of us out there) who practice some form of relaxation technique - no matter how small - on a daily basis. On a personal level, I look at it as essential to staying alive and rank it right up there with food and water. Relaxation practices contribute to balancing my mood levels and help me feel more loving towards myself and others. In other words, it works.

1 hour ‘you time’ in the morning

This is top priority in my routine, and seriously makes for a more productive work day. Pick one hour in the morning (doesn’t matter what time) for yourself. That means just you, no kids, chores or spouses allowed. Next choose your favorite spot in your home; maybe on that cozy chair with a blanket wrapped around you, or in front of the fireplace with some candles lit. Check in with yourself and do whatever it takes to get you centered just for this one hour.

Just in case you can’t think of anything, here’s a list to get you started:

1. Drink a cup of decaffeinated tea (no coffee please).
2. Sit and focus on your breath.
3. Stretch on the floor; maybe include some yoga poses.
4. Think about 5 things you are grateful for.
5. Light a candle.
6. Take a bath.

Drink more water

Studies continue to show that drinking more water calms the nervous system (reducing stress levels dramatically) and has a plethora of other health benefits. I know we’ve all heard it before but, seriously, when we drink more water, our bodies are happier.

What’s the right amount?

I just went to my naturopath recently who once again gave me the rundown on the appropriate daily water consumption for humans. Here it is:

Drink 1/2 your body’s weight in ounces daily. For example, I weigh 130 lbs. If I divide that in half and change it into ounces, that makes 65 which is the correct amount I need to drink daily to keep my body happy and healthy. I made it easier on myself. I went out and bought a 33 ounce water bottle and fill it up twice; once in the morning and once in the afternoon. That’s how I avoid going pee in the middle of the night. I admit, I’m not always perfect in keeping to my quota. But I’m more conscious and I make an effort to stick with it and, honestly, it has made a huge difference in my energy levels.

Mini-breaks are back in fashion

If you are practicing tip number 2 (drinking more water) you body will remind you to take mini-bathroom-breaks throughout the day without you even having to think about it. However, when that doesn’t happen (or if you just want to add to that), how about stepping away from your computer every 60 minutes for a 5 minute mini-break? That will give you time to rest your eyes (ophthalmologist recommended), relax tension built up in your jaw and just enough time to stretch your back.

Now all you have to do is self-commit. After all, we have to live with ourselves for the rest of our lives. Why not make it the best we can to feel as alive as we can, and in the process increase our quality of life no matter what’s going on?