While these acts are small, done with intention, they can make a big impact.
It’s the little things in life that can make a huge difference in our attitude and perspective, if we let them. Seeing a rainbow, a flower, hearing a favorite song, a smell that brings back a good memory. All of these things can lighten your mood and shift your perspective if you choose so.
In case your day has been a little short on these simple delights here are a few you can add when needed or do them everyday if you want to. Just make sure to be intentional and take in that moment, use it to recenter yourself, remember who you are, and Whose you are, and walk in it.
- Wash my face with a warm cloth when I brush my teeth in the morning and evening. Looking in the mirror and reminding yourself that you were created with purpose for a purpose in the morning. In the evening look in the mirror and wash the dirt from the day away and remember that all things can become new.
- A piece of chocolate after lunch or nap, see #3. If it is after nap I seem to enjoy it longer. It’s a little treat during the day. Dark chocolate of course and only one piece, not a bar.
- Afternoon power nap after doing the dishes. Yes, that’s right I don’t do the dishes immediately following dinner, even when I had a dishwasher they were done in the morning while the children got ready for school. Now my best time is after lunch as I’m starting to crash but need just a little more time to digest before laying down. I wrote in detail about power napping HERE.
- Morning stretch, not immediately after waking up but about an hour or so later. Just some simple arm and leg stretches to get the blood flowing. Check with your doctor before adding this to your routine.
- At least a few minutes of prayer to center yourself, focus on others and remember it’s not you who’s going to get you through this day and it’s not all about you. Below is a photo of something I learned at Bible club back in high school and still use on occasion.
These are things that I do nearly everyday. The days I don’t have a nap, I feel it. I have found that with the chocolate, I actually snack less.
Allow these small things to shift your mood and perspective so that you can be fully present in and enjoy every moment with your family. You deserve to be the best you and your family deserves to have the best you show up as much as possible.
What things can you think of to add to our routines that remind us our bodies matter and we’re human too?