Summer is finally here, and while people often use these warmer months to clean out their rooms or organize their closets, we think it’s also the perfect time to re-organize and reset our intentions.
We spend hours every day focusing on our work and our relationships, and it’s often easy to forget to take time for ourselves as well. As a result, we’re often left feeling stressed out and fatigued, searching for that light switch to climb into bed as opposed to actively looking for new opportunities and adventures.
This season, resolve to take better care of yourself, physically, spiritually and mentally. You’ll find that a few simple steps will help attract positivity back into your life and set you up for success. Here’s how to do it.
1. Drink More Water
You already know you should be drinking water, but are you drinking enough of it? Doctors recommend at least eight glasses of water a day (about half a gallon), to keep your body hydrated, your skin and nails refreshed, and your health in check.
An easy hack: carry your own water bottle, like this one from lululemon. It’s made from a double-walled stainless steel that promises to keep your water cold for 24 hours, plus it’s portable enough to carry in your gym bag or office tote. This bottle holds 580ml of liquid, so just make sure you fill it up at least three times throughout the day to meet your daily water intake.
2. Take Time To Meditate
Getting your “ohm” on isn’t as difficult or as “hokey” as you once thought. While the concept of meditation may have originated in ancient practices, modern technology has made it easy to find some quiet time to yourself – even if just for a few minutes a day. Download any of the free mindfulness apps and plug into some noise-cancelling headphones to get a guided, soothing respite from the stresses of your day.
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Prefer to meditate on your own? Carve out a quiet, uncluttered space in your house or apartment, that’s free from any distractions (I.e. away from the windows and with phones away). Then prop up a cushion on the couch or floor, and close your eyes. Start with three deep breaths to clear your body of any negative energy – and to release any pressing thoughts from your mind. Then, just relax. Experts say even a few minutes of silence could go a long way towards helping you re-focus and prepare for the day ahead.
3. Sweat It Out
While we workout to look good, it isn’t always about losing weight or getting that six-pack. Doing some form of physical activity every day can also be a great way to blow off steam.
If you’re going for a run or workout, make sure you’re wearing clothing that makes you feel supported – not restricted. Try lululemon’s “Fast & Free Tight II”, which features a ton of thoughtful details to enhance your exercise. The super soft and lightweight Nulux™ fabric won’t rub up against your skin, and its sweat-wicking properties make sure you stay dry. Reflective details make sure you’re visible, even in the evening, while a hidden waistband pocket is the perfect place to stash your essentials while you’re on the go. Looking good and feeling good? Now that’s what we call the “sweat life!”
4. Start a Journal
Let’s make this clear: you’re not in high school anymore, so don’t think of this as a diary, but rather as a book for goal-setting and daily affirmations. Experts say writing something down on paper often gives it more importance, and helps keep you accountable. Rather than jotting down what you did during the day (I.e. “Finished work at 6pm and went for drinks with the girls”), consider writing down what you still want to accomplish (I.e. “Update resume and email HR to discuss promotion”).
You can also use your journal to track your progress, whether you’re starting a new diet, a workout routine or saving money for that fall road trip. The more you write down, the more you can look back and reflect on your achievements after you’ve checked them off your list. And what better feeling is there than one of accomplishment?
5. Start a Yoga Practice
Aside from the obvious body benefits (I.e. improving flexibility and strengthening your core), yoga is also a great way to create connection and build community with others. From partnering with someone on a new pose, to just sharing space on the floor with a stranger, yoga helps to align our bodies and our minds with the people around us.
To make your yoga experience even better, consider picking up a pair of lululemon’s “Align Pants.” Its buttery-soft material wicks away sweat, while the four-way stretch ensures comfort no matter what pose or position you’re in. What we like: the sturdy waistband lies flat against your skin and won’t dig in, and the slightly higher-rise means you don’t have to worry about going for that deep bend and accidentally exposing too much.
6. Schedule Weekly Meetups With Friends
You’ve had a long week, and a quiet Friday night at home with wine, popcorn and Netflix might seem like a great idea. But we are built to be social creatures, and the best way to take care of ourselves is not to isolate from the world, but rather to let friends into our lives so we can enhance and support each other’s journeys. Self-care isn’t just about looking inwards; it’s also about sharing our discoveries and seeing what we can do for others – and what others can do for us.
Our advice: schedule weekly guys/girls nights or brunch dates, or set a standing invitation for a weekend hike or jog. By inviting others into your sphere, you’ll feel more loved, encouraged and supported. After all, self-care is super important, but sometimes it’s nice to feel taken care of by others too.
For more ideas on products to support your goals of self-care and #thesweatlife, head over to lululemon.com.