When everyday stress starts to feel overwhelming, take a few minutes to practice uplifting habits. Stepping away from routine pressures and making time to enjoy life’s beauties can calm your spirit and restore a sense of contentment. For each one of your habits, choose what time of day works best for you and fit it into your daily schedule.

1. Reflection

Once in a while, everyone needs time to stop and think about life. You don’t have to dive deep into your philosophies or plans, but it does help to sit quietly and consider how life has been going lately and what could be done more effectively. Try to find a comfortable, quiet place where you won’t be bothered. Relax there, letting your thoughts gently sweep through your mind like peaceful waves. If while you try to reflect, your mind keeps circling to unwelcome thoughts, finds something to anchor your thoughts, like inspirational quotes for self-esteem.

2. Exercise

Walking, hiking, biking, or swimming for even twenty to thirty minutes each day can help to clear your mind and coordinate bodily muscles and rhythm for improved focus. Exercise has been shown to be mood-enhancing for many people. This is because exercising releases endorphins to make you feel good and removes stress hormones like cortisol. Check with your doctor before starting an exercise plan, and there are plenty of fun physical activities to choose from.

3. Socialization

While solitude has its virtues, it is not healthy or particularly enjoyable to be alone for long periods of time. Reach out to coworkers or neighbors with a friendly greeting, or ask a distant relative out for dinner. Stay in touch with friends and family via social media. People who socialize are often happier and healthier than those who don’t interact much with others.

4. Reading

Reading is a great way to relax and escape your daily cares. If you look, you’ll find literature on any topic or question that interests you. Keep a running list of your favorites so that you’ll always be able to find them again or share them with others. If you’re pressed for time or you don’t think you have time to read full novels, you can find collections of short stories instead or you can look for uplifting blogs instead of articles and stories.

5. Nature Study

Spending time observing the outdoors in a scenic locale is both restful and inspiring to many. Enjoy a view of your own back yard. Alternately, take a walk on a local nature path and savor the seasonal weather and any wildlife that wanders across your path. Being outdoors has significant health benefits. Don’t be surprised if your breathing relaxes and your blood pressure begins to lower as you breathe in the fresh air around you while enjoying the wonders of nature.

It’s easy to become overwhelmed and stressed under the weight of our daily lives. Incorporating a few uplifting routines into our daily schedules will break up the day and make it more bearable. You don’t have to spend a lot of money on spas or retreats. With so many activities to enhance your day, choose a few to begin on making life a little more enjoyable.