Welcome to adulthood. You’re always busy. But in order to survive our crazy to-do lists, we must employ the the de-stress trifecta: sleep, organization, and self-care.
SLEEP
It’s cliché to use “get more sleep” as a solution to every problem. But clichés are cliché for a reason. Your relationship with your bed is one of the more important ones in your life. It’s generous, silent, and asks nothing of you in return. If you’re one of those people prone to pre-bedtime screen time, remember this: Distance makes the double tap grow fonder. People will tell you to keep your phone in another room. We know you won’t do that. So keep it charging on your dresser or somewhere where you can’t reach instead of on your bedside table. Or switch your settings to grayscale to make your phone less appealing. Screens (and that includes TVs) are like a traffic jam en route to the Snoozeville.
ORGANIZATION
Put something down. Pick it up. Put it away. Repeat. That’s a good start. The most effective way to reduce clutter is simple: Get rid of your useless stuff. We know that’s easier said than done, so start with your clothing and try the hanger trick.
Here’s how it works: Turn all your hangers one way. After you’ve worn an item—and only after you’ve worn it—turn its hanger the other way. After six months, it will be clear to what you don’t wear and can toss or donate.
SELF-CARE
And no, we don’t mean facemasks. This may seem obvious, but exercise is proven to improve your mood. Because endorphins make you happy. Studies have shown that 30 minutes a day is all you really need. Thirty minutes: the amount of time you spent stalking your ex’s cousin’s best friend’s dog. If you’re not into running, some other types of exercise to try include yoga (good for relaxation), swimming, (good for working out the whole body without putting strain on the joints), or just walking. Never forget: Power-walking is an Olympic sport.