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Sometimes you’re doing good things for your body, but the results take too long.

Do you need something to help right now, not after you’ve been working at it for days? Weeks?

Maybe one of these tips will help to perk you up a bit right now:

1. Sit in the sun for 10 minutes—preferably in the crispy part of the morning.

I’m still working on this one. Still, it’s already been really helpful. It’s not just the sunlight, it’s being in nature, the fresh air, the sounds, the smells. I purposely leave my phone inside; I can’t be trusted otherwise. I sit in the warmth of the sun, listening to the birds and enjoying the scent of the trees. That last part probably sounds weird, but I happen to live next to a Eucalyptus grove that smells amazing, in even humid weather.

2. Put on something a little more comfortable.

Remember when everyone gave up on fancy work attire at the beginning of the pandemic? We don’t have to let that die. I pretty much live in yoga pants and my one Wool & Co. dress. I’m home a lot though. I try to stay comfortable when running errands and going to appointments, because why be uncomfortable? Every time I dress up a little, it only lasts for a few hours before something feels too tight or constricting. I can’t deal with it. Who the f*ck needs that kind of stress? Just be comfortable.

3. Take a nap.

Legit. Naps are the best. I don’t take one every day. They’re never longer than 20 minutes; I get super groggy if I sleep longer. I also don’t nap after 2 p.m. because I have difficulty sleeping; I have insomnia among other things. On rough days, I’ll curl up on the sofa with a comfy pillow, soft blanket, and my eye mask, set a timer for 20 minutes (or listen to a nap meditation on Insight Timer), and pass the f*ck out. You should too. You deserve a nap. We all deserve a nap.

4. Stop and sniff.

For real. Just do it. And if it smells bad, go somewhere where it doesn’t and eradicate the nasty when you get back.

5. Have an afternoon snack break (or teatime).

I’ve always thought the Brits really had their sh*t together with teatime. Tea and snacks every day, what’s not to love? It doesn’t have to be a whole afternoon tea to be great. Sometimes mine is eating a piece of avocado toast with a cuppa, alone on my front porch.

6. Dip your face (and/or feet) in ice-cold water.

This is actually a thing; I promise I’m not just making it up. If you’re feeling stressed or angry or depressed or anxious, give it a try. It actually helps.

7. Listen to a funny podcast.

I’ll share my favorite with you: Wheel of Misfortune. It’s brash, witty, and f*cking hilarious. Start at the beginning and you’re guaranteed to laugh.

8. Go for a walk.

Yeah, I know exercise, mental health, blah, blah, blah. I’m not actually talking exercise here. I’m more concerned with the fresh air and change of scenery. It’s easy to get sucked into stressful situations when you’re fixating in the same space. Leave that space. Go somewhere else. It doesn’t matter where. Just go.

Meditation, yoga/exercise, drinking more water, eating healthfully are not included for a reason. You already know them. I’m not here to make you feel guilty for not doing them. Try something new. Pick one off of this list—or something else that you just thought of. Try it on. See how it feels. If it doesn’t work, try something else.

Which one do you want to try? Are there others that I should’ve included? Am I totally full of sh*t and none of this is at all helpful? Share your thoughts.

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