Busy is NOT an Excuse — Take Care of Yourself Now

I am so very sick of hearing me say, “I am too busy.” “There are just not enough hours in the day.” “Life is much too crazy.” “Who are all these kids and why do they keep calling me mom?” Busy is the new normal, overscheduled is a way of life and frantic is akin to breathing. I enjoy playing the martyr role as much as the next girl, but the truth is, there is no excuse not to take care of yourself.

When you live healthier, you feel better, your thoughts are clearer, you scream less and everyone likes you more. You may not have time for leisurely walks, spa days and the great American novel, but you do have time for these:

– Drink 8 glasses of water a day. Tips: move pennies from one pocket to the other to keep track; drink out of a wine glass because everything tastes better in stemware; add lemon, strawberries or cucumber to your water to mix it up.

– Cut down on your caffeine. I know, I know … just do it. After a few days, you will feel better.

– Walk somewhere, anywhere, for any length of time, every day.

– Unplug for at least an hour a day. This doesn’t mean lie on the couch and eat Bon Bons. Just go about your normal hour without checking texts or emails. Unless you are the secretary of defense, the communication will wait. If you are driving, listen to music and stop thinking of who you can call.

– Smile more, even when — especially when — you don’t feel like it.

– Increase fruits, vegetables and fiber.

– And, last but certainly not least, have sex. It doesn’t always have to be time consuming and mind blowing. Just do it.

Stress bad. Life good. Lighten up. I’m pretty sure you only get to live once — at least that’s what I learned in Catholic school.