The other day I wrote about how every single day is a chance to start over and start fresh. However, don’t think that you can’t start fresh in the middle of the day. Because you can. There are so many little ways you can give yourself a little refresh to get you re focused and inspired. Keep on reading for 17 ways to start fresh.
- Breathe. Yep, it’s that easy. Take a minute to take a few deep breaths, but really deep, conscious, intentional breaths. You’d be surprised just how helpful this is.
- Go for a walk while listening to uplifting music. I don’t mean a walk inside your office, but a walk outside, so you’re getting fresh air, all the while listening to music that makes you happy, which leads me to…
- Put on some good tunes. You should have a playlist that is for this very thing. You know those songs that transport you to pure bliss? Those songs where the moment you turn them on you’re instantly happier? Yes, THOSE are the songs that need to make their way onto said playlist.
- Meet up with an inspiring friend or colleague. Sometimes when I’m feeling a tad uninspired the one thing that gets me jazzed up more than anything else is getting together with someone who not only gets what I do, but also works in a creative field. Bouncing ideas off one another and chatting about our industries really gets the creative juices flowing.
- Phone a friend. If you can’t get together in person, call up someone on the phone. Face to face interactions are ideal, but a phone call can really help, as well.
- Sweat it out. The times you don’t want to go to the gym are usually the times you need to go to the gym. And it doesn’t have to be the gym doing basic cardio if that bores you; find a class that you get excited about. If belly dancing interests you, go girl!
- Read motivating and inspiring quotes. Go to Pinterest and type in ‘inspiring quotes.’ There are TONS. I’m obsessed with quotes, as you likely would have guessed, if you follow me on Instagram, and sometimes its just reading one little sentence that really resonates with you to put you in a completely different mindset.
- Listen to a motivating and inspiring podcast, such as The Lively Show. This one has been a game changer for me.
- Write it down. Grab that journal and get to writing. Even if you don’t think of yourself as a writer, just do it. It doesn’t have to even be complete sentences; just write down how you’re feeling. You might be surprised what you discover about yourself.
- Meditate. Meditate. Meditate. Start with one of the apps Headspace or Calm (my personal favorite is Calm), and take a 10 minute break to recenter yourself. It can truly be life changing.
- Create a mood/inspiration board, whether with a physical board or a Pinterest board. Tear pages out of magazines and/or pin images and words that inspire you and lift you up. Continue adding to it, and look at it whenever you’re feeling in a rut.
- Have a dance party. Yep, a solo dance party, you heard me right. I mean, I wouldn’t suggest doing this in your office (unless your company is down with that), but when you get home, DANCE IT OUT. Blast some tunes and just dance. It feels damn good.
- Sign up for a class. Have you been wanting to learn guitar? Does painting make you so happy but you ‘never have time’ to do it? Find a class in your area that interests you and sign up for it. Even just the mere task of signing up will give you a boost and something to look forward to.
- Organize something, anything. When we take the time to clean up or organize, it gives us a sense of accomplishment and makes us feel good and productive. If at your office, take a few minutes to organize your desk or drawers. If at home, go for the closet or your kitchen. Of course, blast that music or listen to a podcast while doing so.
- Read a book. Not an article online, but an actual book. Obviously if you’re at the office you might not be able to do this, but maybe on your lunch break you can go outside and sit and read for a bit. If you’re at home, go find a comfy place to sit or lay, turn your phone on airplane mode, and just read. Zone out and read.
- Take a nap. Again, not something you should do at the office, BUT if you’re home and you have the time, take a little nap. Even just 30 minutes. Sometimes your body is just worn out and needs a break. Listen to what it’s asking for.
- Laugh. It’s true what they say; laughing is the best medicine. Find your funniest friend or colleague and laugh it out. Or find a YouTube video that always makes you laugh and get to watching. A hearty belly laugh is simply the best.