Our lives can be stressful, chaotic and drama-filled. All of us are in information-overload; bombarded from all directions with noise, distractions, notifications and content from our friends and family, online and traditional media, our smart phones and other devices. Add to that the litany of stress and anxiety created from personal, family, work place, community, national and world events; it is a wonder how we keep it all together and function in our daily lives.

So, how do we find that elusive work-life balance? How do we cultivate more joy, peace and mental, physical, emotional and spiritual well-being?

So, how do we find that elusive work-life balance? How do we cultivate more joy, peace and mental, physical, emotional and spiritual well-being? Here are five practical strategies to consider implementing right now!

Design and Follow a Daily Ritual

Adopt a daily ritual to start your day in a positive mindset. Show up every day: Mentally, Physically, Emotionally and Spiritually. Now more than ever it’s important to get up, do your morning mindset ritual, get dressed for success and get to work! Some suggestions:

• Morning meditation or prayer
• Exercise, stretch, take a walk
• Review your goals and say your affirmations
• Eat a healthy breakfast
• Review your day’s tasks and schedule

Take a Digital Detox

Take a break from ALL of your devices and disconnect from the Internet and Social Media for a period of time. Try one or more of these ideas:

• Don’t check your smart phone, emails or go online for at least an hour after waking up each day
• Do your daily ritual instead!
• Commit to turning all cell phones off during meals
• Block out time at least once a week to unplug
• Schedule a minimum of one day a month to disconnect
• Try a digital detox week where you disconnect from your social media platforms and minimize use of your digital devices.

30 Reasons to Do a Digital Detox http://www.forbes.com/sites/francesbooth/2015/02/03/30-reasons-to-do-a-digital-detox/#2596952d6b42

Read Thrive by Arianna Huffington  

Get More Sleep

Adequate sleep is a key part of a healthy lifestyle, and can benefit your heart, weight, mind, and more. How much sleep you need each day varies between the experts but generally the recommendation ranges from 6-8 hours (more for children and teens). 

Set a bedtime routine

• Go to bed at the same time every night
• Get the same amount of sleep each night
• Practice a relaxing bedtime ritual (warm bath or shower, aromatherapy, listen to music, podcast or meditation for sleeping)
  • http://mentalfloss.com/article/70288/pod-city-10-podcasts-help-you-sleep
  • http://www.brainsync.com/sound-sleep.html
• Design your sleep environment to establish the conditions you need for sleep. Know the best room temperature for you. Your bedroom should also be free from any noise or light that can disturb your sleep.
• Avoid eating, talking on the phone, or watching TV in bed
• Try not to lie in bed worrying about things
• Allow 2-3 hours between your last meal of the day and going to bed
• Avoid alcohol and caffeine for at least 4 hours before sleep
• Sleep on a comfortable and supportive mattress and pillow for you

Practice Mindfulness & Meditation

One basic definition of meditation, or mindfulness meditation, is focusing on doing one thing at a time – which brings us to the present moment. Distraction has become our new reality in a world where we are constantly checking and sending email, texts, and our social media updates.

Learning to quiet the mind has undeniable benefits at a time when our attention is on overload and overwhelm from multiple sources all day, every day.

Reality Check…Meditation can be as easy as just focusing on your breath!

Check out these articles and links to meditation resources:

• Meditation for Busy People
• Meditation is My Superpower
• Brain Sync - Guided Meditations
• Mediation Tools, Apps and Resource (Download)

Get Up & Get Out!

At WBNL Coaching, we believe that getting up and getting out is an important part of reaching alignment and connection. In order for you to fire on all cylinders you need to have an open mind & be refreshed so that you are ready to take on the world. When you have truly identified what you love to do a magical thing can occur. Work and play can become synonymous.

We’ve found that most of the best ideas occur when you allow yourself to get away from your office and computer. Move around, get inspired by nature, take a hike – do whatever leisure time activity you enjoy. Americans are notorious for not taking enough time off. It is a part of the corporate structure that is stifling creativity and productivity. Block out time to get away and take a break. It will recharge you and you’ll find that you are happier, more rested, and more eager to get back to work.

Some ideas to Get Up & Get Out!

• Just move your body
• Yoga
• Daily exercise routine
• Stretching exercises
• Walking meditations
• Walking meetings
• Watch a sunset or sunrise
• Take a daily walk
• Participate in sports
• Connect with nature
• Go for a hike
• Schedule and take vacations
• Do more weekend getaways
• Take a day to go explore and have fun
• Need some inspiration and travel insights? Visit http://wanderingbutnotlost.com/