5 Ways to Maintain Your Sanity on Any Given Day

I think life can be crazy. There is so much to do and unless you can figure out how to squeeze 4 additional hours out of the day it becomes overwhelming.  Well, as I sit here with a horrible headache (that I am sure is connecetd to this annoying cold I have), I have decided to share what I think are tips to a saner, healthier life.

It's Okay to Lie (just a little bit)

I know, I know but don't jump down my throat yet.  I am a firm believer in being honest but a tiny lie won't put you on Santa's naughtly list.  For example, one time I told my husband I had to use the bathroom and gave him the impression that it was #2.  It wasn't.  I just needed 15 minutes of quiet time. And of course he would have been cool with me saying that but here is a key difference - when you say you need 15 minutes of quiet time, people tend to actually time you.  When you have stomach issues folks just leave you alone because respecting someone's potty time is an unspoken rule.

Saying "No, Thank You" is Just Brilliant

We all love to say yes.  As women, we want to help those we care about (and sometimes even those we don't care for that much).  Saying yes makes us feel accomplished and dependable.  Well, I think saying no makes us feel energized and happy sometimes.  I don't know about you but feeling energized and happy definitely trumps feeling accomplished and dependable some days of the week (actually, most days of the week).

Take a Mental Health Day

If you are fortunate enough to work at an organization that allows you to accrue sick days I suggest you use one before you actaully get sick.  Here is my theory: if I wait until I am experiencing burnout and develop the flu I will most likely be out of work for several days (and I may even infect some of my colleagues before I realize how sick I am so some of them will end up calling out too). But, if I decide to take an occasional day off to just rest and pull myself together I will be better off for it and so will everyone around me. So simple, yet so brilliant.  I know! :-)

Ignore Non-Urgent Emails & Voicemails for a Week

I know what you are thinking. "OMG, is she serious?!" Yes, I am totally serious.  Listen, if it's urgent go right ahead and respond.  But if you are having a week where you are tired, overextended, and stressed out, why are you trying to keep up with everyone.  We live in a world where everything seems urgent but it's all in our heads.  Most things are not urgent and they can wait - so let them

Take a Hot Bath and Have a Glass of Wine (or whatever you want to drink)

I enjoy bubble baths but I rarely take them --  that is until now.  I took one last week and I am taking one again this week.  Do you know why?  because I felt like I just left the spa after that bath was over and it was FREE.  I usually come up with so many reasons for not taking one.  I have other things to do. I'm too tired to set up the candles and run the water and get the drink.  I need to shower first (okay, I know that is my own weirdo thing - I feel like I need to be clean before getting in the bath so I don't soak in my own dirt...I'm a weirdo).  Whatever your excuse is let me assure you that the benefits of taking a hot bath weekly are far greater than you can imagine.  Go for it!

I hope these tips help and I hope you have an awesome week filled with energy, happines, and your sanity.