Lifestyle Wellness

15 Small Ways to Rejuvenate Your Body + Mind + Spirit

Small Ways to Rejuvenate

Promise me something. Promise me that you’ll always have fun, that you’ll always have a heart of a kid, that you won’t change.”

These words were spoken to me by one of my very good friends. It’s been over ten years since that moment, yet I remember it as clear as it happened yesterday. It wasn’t until recently, that I started to wonder; what does that mean, anyway?

I mean, you can’t always have fun, can you? You can’t help, but “grow-up.”

We must always change, renew, and rejuvenate ourselves; otherwise, we harden.” – Goethe
When you’re a child, or fairly “young” there’s this boundless energy you have. Everything seems fun, everything is an adventure, a delight.

Then you grow up, and you realize that life has a way of taking over. You harden. If last week has taught me anything (and it’s taught me A LOT), it’s that sometimes, being a “grown-up” sucks. Having to deal with 20 different things at once when also experiencing a major and unexpected setback, sucks.

Sometimes it can even feel like you’re carrying the weight of the world on your shoulders.

And so, we harden.

But we shouldn’t.

Whether you find yourself feeling stuck in a rut or creative block; lack motivation or are in need of a little change- know that it’s okay. We all go through “stuff” sometimes. If this is something you’re dealing with at the moment, challenge yourself to rejuvenate your body, mind, and spirit. Think about it- is there anything you really enjoyed doing but stopped because you don’t have enough time or because you’re “too old for this” or simply because you forgot how fun it is?

15 SMALL WAYS TO REJUVENATE YOUR MIND + BODY + SPIRIT

15 Small Ways to Rejuvenate Your Mind + Body + Spirit

1. CREATE A SELF-CARE KIT

Keep a box full of things that make you feel good. These can be photos, books, music records, your favorite recipes. I have a whole collection of essential oils, my favorite candles, music, and recipes in mine. Reach for your box whenever you’re in need of some self-care and if you don’t have time to practice it, schedule it in!

2. GO TO SLEEP EARLY

Some of the things we hated doing as children, we love doing as adults- like going to sleep early and getting more than 6 hours of sleep.

3. TAKE A NAP

Nothing is more refreshing than a midday nap. It’s not something that most of us allow ourselves to do often. Don’t make it too long though- keep it between 15-20 minutes.

4. DIGITAL DETOX

Spend an entire day without your phone, computer, tablet, TV. Think of some of the things you loved doing as a kid, that didn’t involve electronics.

5. LAUGH

Watch something silly, funny; stand-up comedy is one of my favorite ways of cheering myself up.

6. EAT MINDFULLY

Eat slowly, enjoy every single bite, let your body catch up to your brain, focus on taste, consistency, different textures.

Also, see:

+ Life-Changing Acts of Self-Love
+ 50 Ways to Practice Self-Care
+ How to Change a Negative Mindset

7. LISTEN TO NEW MUSIC

Listen to something you usually wouldn’t listen to, discover new artists, new songs, new sounds.

8. JOURNAL

Write out everything that’s on your mind. Just write. What are some of the things you hope to accomplish? What makes you happy? What are you grateful for? What are your fears?

9. WATCH THE SUNSET

….or the sunrise. Both happen every day, but how rarely do we get to truly appreciate their beauty?

10. DRINK MORE WATER

Better yet, start your days with a glass of warm water with lemon- it does wonders for your digestive system and gives your immune system a little boost.

11. CREATE A MORNING ROUTINE

Create a ritual– something you will look forward to, every single morning. Even if it’s just a 10-minute meditation, reading a chapter or two of a book, having your tea or coffee in complete silence- make sure to spend some time just with yourself and set your intentions for the day to come.

12. JUMP ON YOUR BED

Jump on your bed, play with a balloon or do some coloring, dance; do something that will remind you of being a kid.

13. TRY GUIDED MEDITATION

The more you think you don’t have time for things like meditation, the more you could benefit from practicing it. Regular practice can’t help you find clarity, focus, and peace.

14. GO FOR A LONG RUN

Go for a long run, or a long walk, if running isn’t your thing.

15. SPEND TIME OUTDOORS

Read outdoors, go for a long walk in the park, grab a blanket, a bottle of water and a book. Walk barefoot, feel grounded.

Also, remember this: give love. To yourself as well as those around you. Just because you feel tired, exhausted and overwhelmed at this very moment, it doesn’t mean that things will remain like this forever. Too often we let that inner voice take over and let it go crazy with its colorful array of insults. Watch the way you talk to yourself; give love.

Is there anything you’d add to this list? What are some of your favorite, small ways to rejuvenate?

58 Comments

  • Reply
    Linda Libra Loca
    July 4, 2017 at 4:24 pm

    Laugh. It always does the trick for me, laugh about the silly things and the things no grown up would laugh about. Laugh so hard you cry and, preferably, laugh that way with other people.

    Linda, Libra, Loca: Beauty, Baby and Backpacking

  • Reply
    Cheyanne
    July 4, 2017 at 5:23 pm

    I love love love this post! Going to bed earlier has been one of the best things I’ve done for my mental health. I’m pinning this to save for later! :)

    • Reply
      Paula @ lifestylegleam.com
      July 7, 2017 at 10:29 pm

      Thank you, Cheyanne! Sleep is one of my favorite things haha one I certainly didn’t fully appreciate when I was younger. x

  • Reply
    Natalie Heather
    July 4, 2017 at 6:00 pm

    I love this post, Paula! We can so easily can totally wrapped up in the seriousness of living, but these are great ways to step back and relax.
    Ivory Avenue

    • Reply
      Paula @ lifestylegleam.com
      July 7, 2017 at 10:28 pm

      Thank you so much, Natalie, so glad you enjoyed this post! I agree- we often forget just how good these little things make us feel. x

  • Reply
    Kiri Yanchenko
    July 4, 2017 at 6:15 pm

    Great post – firstly. What sort of matcha do you buy (he he).
    I think getting outdoors is a great suggestion and drinking lots of water and eating well are also important.
    I find it helpful to talk to someone – go out and have a coffee or lunch with a friend and really connect.
    I love your jump on the bed suggestion.
    When I was a teenager we had a foam stick that we were encouraged to beat the bed with if we were angry. Your jump on the bed section reminded me of that…
    Kiri
    Set to Glow
    http://www.settoglow.com.au

    • Reply
      Paula @ lifestylegleam.com
      July 7, 2017 at 10:27 pm

      Jumping on the bed is one of my favorite things to do when I’m in need of a little pick me up :) Haha love the idea of taking out your anger with a foam stick :)

  • Reply
    Natalie Harney
    July 4, 2017 at 6:40 pm

    Love this list – I really need to get into a better sleep routine and go to bed earlier, she writes at a quarter to midnight

    – Natalie
    http://www.workovereasy.com

  • Reply
    Veronica Bizzarri
    July 4, 2017 at 7:15 pm

    Lovely list of things to help rejuvenate ourselves.. Having a digital detox is so important and always makes me feel better

    Ronnie
    http://www.veronicabizzarri.com
    xx

    • Reply
      Paula @ lifestylegleam.com
      July 7, 2017 at 10:24 pm

      I have to take regular breaks- it always feels so good and it seems like I have so much time :)

  • Reply
    Jordyn Pamela
    July 4, 2017 at 9:41 pm

    Gosh, when’s the last time I jumped on my bed? I think I’m going to try it! xo

  • Reply
    Sharni
    July 4, 2017 at 9:43 pm

    I LOVE the idea of a self-care box. I had major anxiety last night and couldn’t sleep at all so I think a full blown panic attack is nearing. I think it’s probably got to do with the fact that life is whizzing by so fast and I can’t seem to keep up. I’m going to make myself a self-care box this week and maybe take the weekend to really slow down. Thanks for the idea, Paula!

    Sharni xo
    A Girl & Grey

    • Reply
      Paula @ lifestylegleam.com
      July 7, 2017 at 10:23 pm

      Aww so sorry to hear you’ve been dealing with anxiety, Sharni! Hope you’re feeling better and that you got the chance to make a self-care kit for yourself! :)

  • Reply
    Madison Grace
    July 5, 2017 at 2:03 am

    Similar to the self-care box, I have a scrapbook of happy photos and quotes that I love, so when I am feeling down or sad I can read it and feel better. It was so satisfying to make – having a box of things is brilliant though (also maybe a box of just your favourite foods? thoughts? just me?).

    mads xx

    MY BLOG: http://www.bymybedside.com
    Free cookies if you check it out! Jks. Got ya.

    • Reply
      Paula @ lifestylegleam.com
      July 7, 2017 at 10:21 pm

      Yesss, love the idea of a box of favorite foods! :) As long as they’re not perishable haha :)

  • Reply
    Chloe
    July 5, 2017 at 2:18 am

    Thank you for this post :) I love all of these ideas. I have a self-care box and I love it, it really is a nice thing to have and it brings me comfort just knowing it’s there. There’s certain things on this list that I want to try such as properly practicing guided meditation and having longer amounts of sleep. I know exactly what I need to remove from my life to enable me to do this so, I’m very excited and motivated!

    Have a great week :)

    Chloe @ https://girllgonerogue.blogspot.co.uk/

    • Reply
      Paula @ lifestylegleam.com
      July 7, 2017 at 10:17 pm

      Thanks, Chloe! So happy to hear that you have a self-care box, I think everyone should have one! Happy weekend!

  • Reply
    Aleksandra // bunniesaremagic
    July 5, 2017 at 4:26 am

    I feel like it’s important to keep seeing magic (haha, roll credits?) in the world, regardless of age. The day the world stops surprising us in any way is usually the day we lose the last chunk of childhood in us and it is very very hard to cross back into the land where everything is possible. Sure, being a rational being is all fun and good, but there is really nothing irrational in loving flowers in full bloom or anything that we may label ‘trivial’.

    • Reply
      Paula @ lifestylegleam.com
      July 7, 2017 at 10:16 pm

      Haha I agree- the world needs more magic! Seeking it might seem like an effort sometimes, but it can make such a big difference, keeping that magic.

  • Reply
    Natalie Redman
    July 5, 2017 at 6:43 am

    Great post. Love the idea of a self-care kit!

    http://www.upyourvlog.com

  • Reply
    Demilade Aina
    July 5, 2017 at 7:54 am

    You’re so right, being a grown up sucks. I wouldn’t even count myself as a proper grown up yet as I turned 18 a few months ago but I can still relate haha.

    Yes to taking naps, when I’m stressed a nap is always the way to go. Love the idea of a self care kit, going to make one this week hopefully! Also like the idea of spending more time outdoors. Reading this post has made me decide to go to the park this week and just read a book and breathe in the fresh air. Thank you for sharing :)

    Coco Bella Blog

    • Reply
      Paula @ lifestylegleam.com
      July 7, 2017 at 10:12 pm

      You just made me realize that I’m 10 years older than an 18-year old- now I REALLY feel old haha :)

      Naps are the best, are they not? Spending time outdoors is always great too, especially when the weather cooperates ;)

  • Reply
    Vanessa Buttino
    July 5, 2017 at 8:58 am

    I would add “Read A Book” because I feel really calm and relaxed when I read by myself in a quiet room. There’s nothing better!

  • Reply
    Mika Mika
    July 5, 2017 at 11:30 am

    Laughing and the self-care kit are my favorites and go to!
    Great post as usual!
    http://www.ethicalandchic.com

  • Reply
    Touch of Confetti
    July 8, 2017 at 12:21 am

    I absolutely love the idea of having a self-care box, it is definitely something that I would want to invest my time in, and you’re so right about the tech free days and sleeping early. I have promised myself that I will be in my bed by 10, and once I’m in my phone goes away and I read for half an hour and have noticed a huge different in not only my mental state, but also by health and skin

    M xx | http://www.touchofconfetti.com

    • Reply
      Paula @ lifestylegleam.com
      July 8, 2017 at 8:05 am

      So glad you love the idea of a self-care box! It’s a great way to kind of keep yourself in-check and put yourself first- something we often forget to do. Reading before bed makes such a difference, doesn’t it! Years ago it was impossible for me to fall asleep without my TV playing- so glad those days are gone haha :)

  • Reply
    Lorelle Catalano
    July 8, 2017 at 6:34 am

    It’s so important to have a self care box, no matter what. You are number 1, and number 1 needs to come first. Self love is so important ;)
    Thanks for sharing Paula
    https://amindfultravellerblog.wordpress.com/

    • Reply
      Paula @ lifestylegleam.com
      July 8, 2017 at 8:06 am

      You are number 1- love this so much Lorelle! I think it’d be an awesome thing to write on your self-care box :) x

      • Reply
        Lorelle Catalano
        July 8, 2017 at 8:18 pm

        Definitely, it would be a constant reminder every day :)

  • Reply
    Salah Shubber
    July 8, 2017 at 3:11 pm

    Great, All what you have mentioned been exericed by me for more than 50 years after I have read a say for Imam Ali whom he says: Dont be lazy, if you do then you cant reject the Satan and you can do the good things.

  • Reply
    Laura Bell Greeno
    July 8, 2017 at 5:47 pm

    I loved this so much. Thank you for sharing! I’ve already got a few of these on my action items list :)

  • Reply
    LuAnn Braley
    July 8, 2017 at 8:47 pm

    Sometimes I listen to music that matches the mood I’m in, and gradually change it up to something that matches the mood I’d like to be in. :O)

  • Reply
    Teya Miller
    July 8, 2017 at 10:51 pm

    Thank you Paula for those last words! Something I definitely needed reminded of to give love to myself and to others especially in hard times.

    • Reply
      Paula @ lifestylegleam.com
      July 9, 2017 at 3:15 pm

      You’re so welcome Teya, giving love, especially during difficult times is definitely important. Thank you so much for stopping by! :)

  • Reply
    Jivi
    July 9, 2017 at 11:04 am

    Love this. Everyone of us needs a reminder sometimes to stop and take care of ourselves.

  • Reply
    The Sunday Mode
    July 11, 2017 at 9:05 am

    I’m going through a sort of transition phase in my life at the moment where I’m overhauling and really actively working on changing the things I’m not happy with, so this list couldn’t have come at a better time because while I’m doing all of that it’s difficult to not get overwhelmed. I need to start doing some of these to lighten things up!

    Julia // The Sunday Mode

    • Reply
      Paula @ lifestylegleam.com
      July 11, 2017 at 7:01 pm

      Glad to hear you’re working on things you’re not happy with, Julia. It can definitely feel overwhelming sometimes, just remember to take it one step at a time- it’s something I have to remind myself quite often, these days :)

  • Reply
    Louana T.
    July 11, 2017 at 11:36 am

    take a bath. I love taking a bath in almost every situation. When I need to take a decision, to prepare myself before going to bed or just to destress and calm myself down.

  • Reply
    Helen Wakefield
    July 12, 2017 at 8:49 am

    Love the sound of a self care kit! Definitely need to try that one :) I always go to bed pretty late so this is one I struggle with, but I’ve scheduled in the time tonight in the hope I can stick to it!!

    Helen | The Little Giraffe
    http://www.thelittlegiraffe.org

    • Reply
      Paula @ lifestylegleam.com
      July 12, 2017 at 10:54 am

      I hope you stick to it too! You can even set a little reminder in your phone. Let me know how it goes! :)

  • Reply
    Ahtziri
    July 13, 2017 at 9:56 am

    First one sounds amazing.

  • Reply
    Emmalisa Tilli
    August 7, 2017 at 4:29 am

    This is FANTASTIC!!!!!!!! So many things that I love to do….. but I can’t remember the last time I watched the Sunset….. maybe in Merredin. I want to re read and re read this!!!!! It’s funny though because the last few days I have taken a break from social media and things like that to listen to podcasts and I created a “sleep” music category on my Spotify. This is the kind of thing I love reading. I totally believe in self-care…….

    • Reply
      Paula @ lifestylegleam.com
      August 18, 2017 at 10:27 am

      Thank you Emmalisa! I’m a huge believer in self-care as well, love the idea of creating a mood playlist!

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