With the hectic world we live in, it seems as though we have less and less free time. Whether it’s work, our families — everything else seems to come before our own health, and it’s time we changed our perspective. Prioritizing your own health and well-being is the ultimate act of self-care, and is something that should be considered more often. While it can be hard to set aside time for yourself, consider incorporating some of these quick and easy changes to get started.

1. Make Your Bed

Your parents may have nagged you endlessly about making your bed when you were younger, but it turns out they were on to something. Not only will you love getting into a well-made bed at night, you’ll be setting yourself up for success in the morning as well. Making your bed will be the first small goal you accomplish before anything else, giving you that boost of motivation to accomplish other tasks throughout the day. 

2. Take Time to Meditate

In a world that seems to be constantly moving at hyperspeed, it’s important to take a step back and disconnect from the environment around you. Even if you only have five minutes to spare, you’ll still be able to benefit from meditation. Start by getting rid of any external distractions (cell phone, TV, outside noise etc…) and sit in any way that’s comfortable to you. You may then choose to close your eyes, breathe deeply or simply reflect on the day you’ve had. 

3. Squeeze In The Extra Steps

Most people aim to improve their personal fitness, but it’s not always an easy task. It’s important to realize that it’s not necessary to spend an hour doing intense cardio for it to be considered “exercise”. Try to incorporate a little movement into your day-to-day life by opting to take the stairs instead of the elevator, or by parking your car a little further away from your destination. Not only is this an easy way to become more active, it’s a small change that’ll have a positive impact over time. 

4. Crack Open a Book

The benefits of reading are endless, from improving focus to relaxing. Unfortunately, many of us simply don’t have the time to dedicate hours in our day to devouring an entire novel, but luckily, there are ways around this. You probably spend time scrolling through your phone right before bed, but this can easily be replaced with reading a few pages from your favorite book. Take this time for yourself and enjoy a few moments of peace and quiet before you go to bed.

5. Skip The Snooze Button

Getting ready in the morning can be a hectic and stressful time for many, since you’re most often trying to get out the door in as little time as possible. But what if you could slow down the pace of your morning routine? Try setting your alarms 10-15 minutes earlier than usual to give yourself some time to relax and calmly ease into the start of your day. You can spend the extra time meditating, making breakfast, or indulging in a lavish skin care routine. 

Along with these small habits you can add to your daily routine, discover how the Dellrose community allows you to keep active all year-round.