Little things you need to stop cutting out of your routine

Waking up early to see the sunrise

There is something magical about waking up before the rest of the world and getting an early start on your day. Not only does this set a great intention for the rest of the day but this simple act helps regulate your mood and boosts productivity. It’s a small act to wake up at 6 am instead of 7 am or 7 am instead of 8 am, but it makes a large difference. Try it!

Going on evening walks

Now having experienced this feeling these past few weeks really pushed me to want to write about it. Evening walks with the moon shining bright and the cool breeze hitting my face is no less than paradise. I would just need a hammock to fall asleep in to top this feeling and I’m working on that haha! But for now, give this a shot. Go on a walk, allow your wandering mind to relax and see the difference this makes in your mood.

Eating Ice Cream

It’s summer I know everyone wants that “hot girl/boy summer” body and likely has a strict workout/diet regime, but c’mon! Live a little. Have the ice cream as a reward for your hard work. Don’t like store-bought ice cream, go to Dairy Queen, they’re open till 11 PM these days. Go on a date with some friends, have some good conversations and enjoy the sweet treat!

Spending time with your family 

Being as busy of a student as I am, I never realized how little time I have been able to spend with my family ever since I started university. It’s scary when I look back, to be honest at all those times my anxiety caused me to cancel events and family gatherings when I really could’ve fit them into my schedule. I can’t fix the past, I can only better prepare for the future and it all starts today! Therefore, let’s take the time to sit with our loved ones, share updates and get them involved in what’s going on in our lives and what’s new with us. They would love to hear all about it and will be super supportive. Seeing this simple act gives you such a positive reward because you will get reinforced to live out your dreams. Family is so important, keep them close!

Exercising 

When you feel like you can’t move, that’s when you move. If I start now I will probably rant on forever about the benefits of exercising for our mind, body and soul. You’ve heard it, I’ve heard it. It's time we take the advice scientists and experts around the world are repeatedly telling us. Let’s move!

Dressing up 

Do you ever feel too stressed to put on makeup or dress up? Ever think that you don’t deserve to dress up today because you haven’t earned it? You haven’t been productive enough? Yeah, scratch that thought ASAP! You deserve to look and feel your best. Don’t hold yourself back because of how easily our brains can spiral into negative thinking patterns. Wear that lipstick! Put on some cologne! Accessorize! This is your best life! Live it!

Doing your skincare routine

Botox is expensive y’all! I’m sure a lot of us would not go down that route when the time comes because we would rather invest our money into our retirement savings plan! Jokes aside, any dermatologist will tell you skin care is important. But why listen to some stranger? Listen to your skin. If you are noticing that it is looking dull or losing its shine and/or you’re not happy with it lately, ask yourself if you have kept consistent with your routine or rather if it may be time to start a routine. Not sure what skin essentials you require? We will have an article on that very soon! However, for now, YouTube is a great resource to get started!

Painting your nails 

One of my friends defines self-care as getting a fresh set of nails every month. I used to question it a lot as it can be quite pricey! She says it helps her feel more confident, and professional and motivates her to do work. Okay girl, if this works for you then please continue to do this! In fact that goes out to you, the person reading this, don’t skip nail care!

Riding your bike 

I don’t have time to go to wonderland as I did as a kid and perhaps not the drive either. Oh boy, I’m getting old! However, I do enjoy my bike rides and I feel like I’m on a roller coaster of my own. Not trying to be lame here by comparing a roller coaster experience with riding your bike, but I am so carefree and lost in the rush when I feel the wind blowing through my hair! It’s great exercise but the best part is I don’t feel bored and it's great fun! This is your sign to bring out your bike and ride on!

Enjoy the little things, for one day you may look back and realize they were the big things. 

- Rober Brault