Any one of these simple hobbies might help you improve your health and reduce the stress in your life.
Nope, it's not just you; we are living in times that are exceptionally stressful. Because of this, it is essential to establish a reliable self-care regimen in order to keep your you-know-what in order (at least most of the time; it is quite acceptable to have the odd anxiety outburst sometimes). And the concept of taking care of oneself may vary not just according to who you are but also according to the circumstances you are going through, the amount of time you have available, the things that you discover help you feel less stressed, and the resources that you have available to you. Whatever your self-care regimen ends up becoming for you, the most essential thing is that it gives you life rather than draining you of it. This is the most vital characteristic.
It is similar to the fact that an automobile traveling at a speed of one hundred miles per hour would eventually wear out. According to Debra Kissen, Ph.D., MHSA, a psychologist who is also the CEO and Clinical Director of the Light on Anxiety Center CBT Treatment Center, "When it's go-go-go all the time, it's just not sustainable over the long haul." According to the author, "There's eventually going to be wear and tear to keep up that level of momentum of doing and giving."
Kissen suggests that the sensation of renewal that you are seeking in a self-care routine is something that you should look for either during or after the activity that you do. "It should be charging your battery in some way, versus depleting it," she explains further. According to her, you want it to be energy-neutral or energy-giving, as opposed to investing emotional energy in it.
As a result, taking care of yourself may not include things like having your nails done or relaxing in the tub, despite the fact that both of these are realistic possibilities. There are times when they include going for a walk, arranging your house in such a way that you feel peaceful when you are at home, or taking the time to figure out how to establish some new boundaries with your spouse in order to feel secure and happy in your relationship. Even the preparation of nutritious meals may be considered a form of self-care, particularly if you engage in the meditative aspects of cutting vegetables. This is especially true since it prepares you for a week that is rich in nutrients.
Despite its utmost importance, self-care may not come naturally or be pleasant for you, especially if you are not accustomed to it. "People should feel like they should want to do it, when sometimes there are feelings of guilt and shame around it," according to Kissen himself. "It should feel good, but that's not always the case right away." If this resonates with you, she suggests gradually exposing yourself to it, which will eventually lead to improved feelings. "It's important for your brain and your body to have that pause, so it is something to work on."
Turning self-care into a duty, on the other hand, is something you should avoid doing. Consuming fewer sweet foods might be considered self-care; however, cutting out sugary foods in such a way that you feel deprived is not. Meditation is an excellent kind of self-care, unless you sit in a cross-legged position and convince yourself that you are terrible at it. When it starts to seem like a punishment, even if it appears to be "good for you" on the surface, it ceases to be considered self-care practices.
All right, that's fine! Make a different choice; there are a lot of alternatives available. Do you need some motivation? Take a look at these fifty of the greatest ideas and activities for self-care.
1. Take a little time to relax.
Do you need permission to just switch off your brain by watching a movie or series? It has arrived. "Taking your attention and putting it on something else versus thinking about all the things that are going on in your life is a nice pause," says Kissen of meditation. While it iWhile it's true that a sedentary lifestyle is the opposite of self-care, immersing yourself in a story can offer a respite for your active brain. ngs will still be there, but you'll have a reboot, so when you go back to them, you'll have a different perspective."2. Send some love your way.
Making contact with a buddy when you are experiencing feelings of isolation or depression might work wonders for raising your attitude. "Feeling connected to others is healthy for everyone," according to Kissen himself. When it's just you—for example, when you're working alone all day or feeling lonely—your mind tends to focus on the things that aren't going well or the things that you need to get done. "Your car payment and worries about work the next day take up so much of your field of vision," she explains further. The act of connecting with someone or something that is outside oneself does not seem to be a very significant event. It has a great curative effect. " Attending a meditation class or working in a café puts you in close proximity to other people without the strain of having to interact with them. The same is true if you are not feeling talkative or if you find it stressful to reach out to others. "That way, you put yourself around people without feeling like you have to be 'on'," Kissen says in response.
3. Be inspired by #SelfcareSunday
There is a good chance that you may hear someone talking about self-care, which is a movement that emphasizes putting yourself first in all aspects of your life, including your physical, mental, and emotional well-being. To reiterate, taking care of oneself is not an act of selfishness, even if you are thinking, "I have no time for myself." This is because when you put in your best effort, everyone benefits. During the following few months, you should devote part of your time to making each and every week count (and coming to terms with the fact that this is beneficial to your health).
4. Devote twenty minutes to cleaning up the clutter
You could experience an improvement in your feeling of well-being if you get rid of the mound of mail, the pile of shoes at the door, and the excess items in your wardrobe. There is a correlation between busy settings, stress, and a lack of self-control (for example, when you are near food), all of which can have a negative impact on your physical health.
You might try taking a picture of an untidy place in your house, and then you could spend twenty minutes cleaning up that area. Make sure you take a break for at least ten minutes (or for the rest of the day if you so choose!) when the timer goes off. Rachel Hoffman, the author of Cleaning Sucks, suggests substituting scheduled cleaning periods for open-ended cleaning sessions to reduce the amount of work involved in cleaning. When you look at the "before" and "after" images, you will feel a sense of achievement, having accomplished something. Portable weights are among the best ideas for self-care.
5. You can work out while watching television
Iowa State University research found that people who lifted weights twice a week had a risk of cardiovascular events such as heart attacks and strokes that was up to seventy percent lower than those who never lifted weights. In addition, exercise with weights helps increase bone density and balance. Buy a set of light dumbbells ranging from three to eight pounds, and while you watch television, do exercises such as lunges and bicep curls.If you do not have any weights in your house, take a plank position and hold it for a few minutes. Initially, you should position yourself as if you are about to do a push-up. This includes placing your shoulders over your hands, engaging your core muscles and glutes, and maintaining a straight line with your body. Hold this position for as long as you are able to. A pound of muscle burns four times as many calories as a pound of fat, so the more muscle you have, the more calories you will burn.
6. Make a switch from late nights to brunches that are longer
One study indicated that 41 percent of parents said that they were unable to obtain a decent night's sleep because they had too many late activities, both for themselves and for their children. A good night's sleep is essential for feeling in control and making sound decisions, in addition to providing a multitude of other health advantages.To get the optimal conditions for sleeping, aim for seven to eight hours and maintain the temperature at 67 degrees Fahrenheit. Keep in mind the phrase "No, thank you, let's go have brunch!" The answer to the problem of having too many get-togethers in the afternoon and evening (even if they are digital in nature!) may be the healthiest approach.
7. Use invigorating blasts to end your shower
After using warm water to clean, turn to cold water and scrub for a period of thirty seconds. Your body's attempts to save heat and kickstart your circulation will result in a significant surge of energy for you. An additional benefit is that research has discovered that cold temperatures stimulate the production of endorphins, which may have an antidepressant impact.8. Replace the water in your bottle every hour
You can ensure that you are getting enough water by following this simple routine. One in five children and young people reported not having a single drop of water on any given day, according to a study in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) Pediatrics. People often do not get enough. If you are dehydrated, you may have symptoms such as constipation, dizziness, disorientation, and low blood pressure. Furthermore, your body needs fluids in order to operate properly.
You should make it a habit to replenish your water bottle at least once per hour. If you get a 9-ounce S'well insulated bottle, which is a top recommendation from GHI, you will be able to track your progress throughout the day (did you drink everything before you had to refill it?) If not, it's time to drink more!
9. You should intensify your morning routine
Tea consumption in the morning may be beneficial to maintaining a healthy heart. According to research, drinking green tea on a daily basis may help reduce levels of LDL cholesterol, sometimes known as "bad" cholesterol. In addition, research has shown that those who regularly consume black tea have a reduced likelihood of getting cardiovascular disease on a regular basis. Tea is a significant source of flavonoids that are naturally occurring and beneficial to the heart. Consuming a daily amount of flavonoids that ranges from 200 to 500 milligrams will assist in maintaining a healthy heart and ensuring that your liver functions properly.
Both the ordinary black and green varieties of GH Nutritionist-Approved Lipton Tea, which are both unsweetened and contain between 150 and 170 mg of flavonoids per serving, are our beverage of choice. Contrary to what you may have heard, drinking tea does not cause you to become dehydrated; rather, it contributes to the healthy water intake goals that you have set for yourself. When it comes to the activities of the circulatory system, proper hydration is essential, so take a few sips and enjoy the day.
10. Stow away the jar of cookies
Instead, you should put out a large bowl of fruit; this will increase the likelihood that you will go for an apple or a banana. In accordance with Dawn Jackson Blatner, R.D.N., author of The Superfood Swap, the age-old proverb "Out of sight, out of mind" does, in fact, have some validity. Move the healthy basics in your pantry, like quinoa, almonds, and canned beans, to the front of the shelves at eye level, and place processed goods on the highest shelf possible.
11. Take a walk during your lunch break
There is evidence that taking a fifteen-minute walk in the middle of the day improves focus and energy levels throughout the workday. It is also beneficial in the long run: recent research found that older people with mild cognitive impairment who completed a schedule of moderate-intensity treadmill walking fared considerably better on cognitive tests than they did before they began working out. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan results reveal that physical activity may modulate blood flow to brain regions related to memory, cognition, and language and speech processing.
12. Perform a manicure on your own
Are you unable to make it to the salon? There is no need to be concerned, since, with the correct advice and strategies, you can bring the salon to your own house. One thing to do is keep your nails neat and tidy, but you should also consider stocking up on your preferred colors so that you can keep them beautifully colored using just your own efforts.
In our Beauty Lab, we discovered that the Sally Hansen Salon Gel Polish package is an excellent purchase for those on a budget. It includes a wooden stick, nail files, buffers, and everything else that is necessary to have a gel manicure that lasts for a long time. When you purchase it, the package includes everything you will need to get the perfect gel manicure at home.
13. Take care of your feet, too.
Painting your nails is just one aspect of a pedicure; there are many other aspects as well. In addition to this, you will try to eliminate calluses and assist in making your feet feel as soft as a newborn.
Use a foot mask to exfoliate the rough, dry skin on your feet before you take care of your cuticles and nails. This will help you get the most out of your foot care routine. Our beauty experts typically use Aveeno's foot mask, formulated with shea butter, for foot care. After buffing your feet, it is much simpler to remove hard, dead skin.
14. Establish a list of "yay!"
At the end of each day, jot down everything that made you exclaim "Yay!" over the course of the day. Imagine unexpectedly discovering money in your pocket, receiving a phone call from a friend, experiencing beautiful skies, or finding a new restaurant in your neighborhood. Instead of concentrating on the bad aspects of your life, this will assist you in recognizing the positive happenings in your life.
Invest in a colorful new diary to serve as a source of inspiration. It will start your thinking by providing you with daily suggestions regarding things that inspired you, occasions when you felt powerful, and other topics.
15. Be sure to give your eyes a rest.
We spend a significant portion of our days in front of screens; in order to avoid digital eyestrain, which may cause dry eyes, headaches, and impaired vision, it is important to adhere to the rule of 20: Every twenty minutes, you should take a twenty-second break to stare at something that is twenty feet away.
16. Take deep breaths like a yogi.
According to a number of studies, doing yoga breathing exercises for twenty minutes will not only boost your memory but also your mood. Try out this approach that uses alternating nostrils: Make a letter L with your right thumb and first finger; take a deep breath; squeeze the right side of your nose with your thumb to block your right nostril; exhale; inhale through your left nostril; block your left nostril and release the right; exhale; inhale; repeat the process. Switch sides and continue.17. Make time in your schedule to breathe.
It is common for mothers, and women in general, to put their personal needs on the back burner. However, even a little period of "me time" may be beneficial in terms of recharging your batteries. Taking a moment to relax and enjoy your favorite hot beverage while also taking a few deep breaths is not only beneficial to your heart, but it also allows you to warm your hands and ease your stress. According to the findings of one study, even devoting fifteen minutes to one's own company may result in increased levels of relaxation and decreased levels of tension.
18. Open your sunglasses and look around.
Having a morning routine is the first step toward better sleep. Research that was published in the journal Sleep Health discovered that those who were exposed to light in the morning fell asleep more quickly at night. If you want to maintain your circadian rhythms, you should let the sun in first thing in the morning and leave your shades open while you are at work. Not only can sleep reduce pessimism, but it can also: If you have a risk factor for cardiovascular disease or stroke, such as diabetes or high blood pressure, getting fewer than six hours of sleep each night may put you at risk for an increased chance of developing these conditions.
19. Put it in the open air.
Studies have shown that spending time in nature, especially while moving around, can improve one's mood, sharpen one's thinking, and make one feel more peaceful and giving. According to clinical exercise physiologist Paul Innerd, Ph.D., of the University of Sunderland in the United Kingdom, some research suggests that spending time outside may help lower levels of the stress hormone cortisol.
20. Something should be planted.
An adult who gardens is more likely to consume veggies than an adult who does not garden, according to the findings of one study. In addition to this, other studies demonstrate that those who engage in activities that include dirt are, on average, happier and healthier.
21. Give some of your time.
People get a sense of purpose by volunteering, which in turn boosts their self-esteem and reduces feelings of isolation. Researchers found that individuals with social anxiety experienced less anxiety in social settings when they sought assistance from others.
22. Find a new podcast to listen to.
According to the findings of recent research, people seem to adjust their emotions in response to the tones of speech that they are hearing, according to recent research findings. Therefore, why not play an uplifting podcast, such as How I Built This or Oprah's SuperSoul Conversations, anytime you find yourself in need of a boost or when you are required to do a chore that is not very enjoyable, such as folding laundry?
23. Say farewell to skin that is dry.
Your hands may not get the same level of attention as your face, despite the fact that you are always attempting to moisturize your skin. Given the fact that we wash our hands so frequently these days, we need to make sure to give our hands some time to relax and get some moisture, particularly during the winter months.Among the hundreds of creams that the scientists in the Beauty Lab of the Good Housekeeping Institute rigorously tested, the Eucerin Advanced Repair Hand Cream, available at a pharmacy for a reasonable price, emerged as a top choice. During the laboratory experiments, the use of glycerin, urea, and sunflower seed oil contributed to an astonishing 51% increase in moisture levels.
24. Take care of yourself.
Who doesn't like putting on a nice face mask? It's the ideal justification for you to relax and shoot some hilarious selfies. We are huge fans of the Clear-Proof Deep Cleansing Charcoal Mask that Mary Kay offers. The charcoal and clay in its formulation help to cleanse and unclog pores, resulting in skin that appears clean and clear. This product is a GH Seal star.25. Start working up a sweat.
Studies have shown that exercise, a potent tool for mental health, effectively treats both anxiety and depression. To help you incorporate exercise into your living room, our Wellness Lab evaluated and ranked 25 different fitness streaming services that are available for use at home. These are our top choices, based on more than 600 different classes:
• You can watch Beachbody On Demand on a variety of devices, including a phone and a Roku, and it provides a large number of courses to choose from.
• Peloton Digital provides over twenty live workouts daily, fostering the same level of excitement and collaboration as group courses.
The fact that Glo offers 3,500 courses (and counting!) makes it the best option for yoga practitioners of all skill levels.
26. Have some fun in the open air.
Don't believe the old wives' tale that the cool weather can cause you to catch a cold. If you can find a private area, spending time outdoors during the cold months could be beneficial to your health. While engaging in physical activity is clearly beneficial, exposure to sunshine and the natural environment outdoors may also aid in better regulating your circadian clock and preventing constant fatigue.
A winner of the Good Housekeeping 2022 Fitness Awards, the Threadbands Epic All Terrain Tieback is a great way to keep your hair out of your face. It performed far better than other fitness headbands that the testers had tested, according to their feedback.
27. Set up a play date that is just for you.
You should go ahead and make plans for that ladies' night, even if it's only a short online get-together! Researchers are unsure of the reason for this phenomenon, but it seems that having a robust social life is protective against cognitive deterioration. In fact, research has shown that individuals who have a greater number of good social ties than their contemporaries have higher levels of brainpower as they get older.
28. Have a good time with your friends.
Researchers have found that laughing with others releases endorphins, sometimes referred to as the "feel-good hormones," in our brains. The laughter will not only be beneficial to you, but it may also help build the ties you have with other people.
29. Organize a trip away...
That is, even if you do not intend to make a reservation for it at this time. Do some research on new locations or go back to your favorite areas; this is the ideal way to get away from reality, particularly if you haven't been able to travel in a secure manner for quite some time. You never know; it could even motivate you to take some time off!
30. Take a class on something that is unfamiliar to you.
You could have always had the desire to experiment with dance, drawing, or photography. Your brain will get a workout from active learning, and you could even make some new friends.
Without may learn from approximately one hundred different professionals and specialists (and even celebrities!) in their respective professions without leaving the comfort of your own home. You can purchase the yearly subscription to MasterClass for $180, or for only $15 per month, as a wonderful treat for yourself. What is the most enjoyable aspect? Most classes divide into ten-minute chunks, making them excellent for accommodating any kind of schedule.
31. You can think of food in terms of energy.
The calories that come from vegetables, fruits, and proteins provide your body with the fuel it needs to engage in activities that you like, such as jogging or riding a bike, as stated by Jackie London, M.S., R.D. Do you really think you could make it through your favorite spin class on a paltry rice cake? Instead of worrying about a number, you should think about what you're going to need the energy for for thirty minutes to three hours following a meal or snack.
32. Write down a mantra.
Think about the things you want to do the following day, week, month, or even year, and think of a phrase that will assist you in getting into the correct frame of mind and making a really meaningful change. "Let action back the mantra, and let the mantra fuel better action," says Pedram Shojai, the creator of Urban Monk Nutrition and an author who has been featured on the New York Times bestseller list.
33. Indulge in a nice cup of coffee at home.
Converting your mundane cup of coffee into a warm and inviting cappuccino with steamed milk is a great way to bring the soothing atmosphere of your neighborhood café into your own home.
According to the experts in our lab, the Hamilton Beach Espresso Maker was the most user-friendly product they tested. This is due to its ability to control the steam during milk frothing and its compatibility with both soft pods and grinds.
34. Make sure to create attentive moments.
Emily Fletcher, author of Stress Less, Accomplish More, suggests that you give this simple exercise a shot: for the purpose of resetting: meditation for extraordinary performance Take a seat with your head out of the way and your back supported. Close your eyes and focus on each of your senses, paying attention to what you hear, feel, see, taste, and smell as you go through your daily activities. Getting in touch with your senses is a fantastic method for establishing a connection to your physical body and the here and now.
35. Participate in an online or free support group.
Getting a therapist to work with is a positive experience for the majority of people; nevertheless, for some people, the time commitment or financial investment required for one-on-one treatment may be too much to bear. On the other hand, support groups may still serve as a forum in which to address significant problems or sources of stress in one's life. In light of the COVID-19 epidemic, many support organizations have moved their focus to offering their services online. If you are looking for a community that you can check in with on a regular basis, whether it be once a day, once a week, or once a month, our directory of free online support groups will assist you in finding such organizations.
36. Take deep breaths of essential oils.
A relaxing effect may be achieved by diffusing a few drops of your preferred essential oil in water that has been distilled. Ylang ylang, geranium oil, and bergamot oil are all recommended by Birnur Aral, the Executive Director of the Beauty, Health, and Sustainability Lab. Birnur Aral connects these three essential oils to relieving tension and anxiety.
As a speaker, the Aria Ultrasonic Diffuser from Young Living is a favorite of Danusia Wnek, who works as a chemist at the General Hospital Beauty Lab. You can either listen to your own music or choose one of its soothing settings. The advantages of using it in conjunction with a meditation app are doubled. Additionally, the Young Living Dewdrop Diffuser and the Stone Diffuser from Vitruvi are also excellent choices to consider if you do not want all of the bells and whistles.
37. Bring your scalp back to life.
Dry hair and scalp might be a seasonal problem for the majority of people, but for other people, it is a problem that they experience throughout the whole year. If your hair is flaking, dry, and brittle and it appears to be persistent, consider creating a homemade hair mask to address the problem. Honey, eggs, and apple cider vinegar are the three ingredients that make up one straightforward remedy. This treatment not only hydrates your mane but also gives it a little shine without causing permanent damage.
38. A weighted blanket will help you get a good night's sleep.
These blankets have the appearance of regular comforters or quilts, but they have the texture of a hug since they are filled with small beads made of glass, sand, or plastic. In order to improve your ability to sleep, the pressure aids in the production of serotonin, which is a neurotransmitter that makes you feel pleasant and relaxed.
The Gravity Blanket, a Kickstarter product now going viral and loaded with glass beads that are snuggled within comfortable microfleece, is a winner in the eyes of our Textiles Lab specialists. In contrast to other alternatives available on the market, the cover can be washed, and the blanket is available in three different weights; it is recommended that you choose a size that corresponds to around ten percent of your body weight.
39. Give yourself a soothing bath.
Instead of rushing through a two-minute shower, make sure you give yourself enough time to relax in the bathtub without interruption. For a complete getaway, bring in some candles, some music, some wine, or some bubbles.
In the middle of the bath, scrub with rituals. Hammam Body Mud is a ritual that uses mud to treat dry regions of the body, such as the arms, legs, and other places that are prone to dryness. It is the product that General Hospital Beauty Lab Director Birnur Aral uses the most because it contains components such as silica and cornstarch that gently exfoliate dry skin.
40. With C, you can cook your favorite food in a shorter amount of time!
Each of us has a meal that brings a warm and cozy feeling to our hearts. The use of cutting-edge technology makes it even simpler to prepare your favorite comfort dishes without all the hassle.
The Ninja Foodi, a pressure cooker that also air-fries, is a favorite among the professionals at GH Kitchen Lab since it offers the advantages of both low-effort equipment. Chili may be cooked under pressure, sweet potato fries can be air-fried, or you can utilize both settings to make wings that are soft and crunchy.
41. Do something with it!
Research from the University of Otago in New Zealand suggests that engaging in creative or artistic activities can lead to feelings of increased enthusiasm and happiness, both on the same day and the following day. Attempt activities such as singing, sketching, playing an instrument, making crafts, or even coming up with a new recipe. You don't need to be concerned about the quality; all you need to do is locate a medium that you like, revel in it, and reap the benefits.
42. Give yourself a treat with some fresh flowers.
Receiving a bouquet of fresh flowers upon entering a room brings immense satisfaction. Instead of waiting for a specific occasion or for someone else to purchase them for you, you could pick up an arrangement right away.
By subscribing to The Bouqs Co.'s regular delivery service, which starts at $36, you may have carefully selected flowers sent to your doorstep on a weekly, biweekly, or even more frequent basis.
43. Construct a more comfortable bed.
More than one-third of us are not getting enough sleep, despite the fact that rest is essential for every aspect of our lives.
Slumber Cloud offers the Stratus set as a replacement for your old sheets. In our Textiles Lab testing, it performs very well, and it helps regulate your body temperature throughout the night, which results in improved sleep quality. Its feel was so impressive that testers praised it and ranked it better than 14 other brands.
44. Take a picture of whatever you want to!
According to recent research, when they regularly shared and snapped pictures (regardless of the topic matter! ), individuals were able to pause, take some time for themselves, and interact with others. Add an additional dose of incentive to your daily routine by posting a photo on Instagram with the hashtag #365challenge. You can relive the memories by scrolling back over the past year.
45. Stop following individuals that aren't positive for you.
Please check your Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook accounts, and refrain from interacting with anybody whose material does not make you feel happy. We spend around forty-five minutes every day on social media sites; thus, your feeds have to be filled with people and companies that are positive and uplifting. If you are unable to completely disengage from these businesses, at the very least make an effort to limit the amount of time you spend interacting with them in the first place.
46. Honor the lack of sound.
According to the National Institutes of Health, having an excessive amount of noise in your environment may not only possibly cause harm to your hearing, but it can also have an effect on your sleep, blood pressure, and even your heart rate.Noise-cancelling headphones, such as Sony's WH-1000XM3 cordless pair, allow you to tune out anything that could be distracting. The Media & Tech Lab tested the top-of-the-line pair and found them to be quite comfortable.
47. Prioritize eating breakfast. First, check your mobile device.
Try to fight the impulse to check your phone or other electronic gadget as soon as you wake up. Take some time instead to create a list of goals and objectives for the day.
When you click the snooze button on your phone to wake you up in the morning, it is almost impossible to avoid checking the news or the weather when you click the snooze button on your phone. Invest in a low-tech alarm clock from the past so that you can keep your mobile phone in a separate room or in a drawer next to your bed while you sleep.
48. Request some sweets.
It is possible to consume it on a daily basis, as long as you acknowledge that it is a special occasion, as stated by the nutrition director of General Hospital. In order to achieve a state of equilibrium, it is important to avoid sneaky sources of sugar, such as ready-made smoothies and juices, which may contain more sugar than a cookie.
49. We should embrace JOMO, which stands for "the joy of missing out."
It is possible to put yourself (and your wallet) in a difficult position if you consistently accept post-work meals or drinks. Be calm and collected when your friends get together without you; there will be future opportunities!
"I don't" is a strategy that may help you avoid worrying and feeling guilty about declining invitations if you have problems saying "no" to them. The statement "I don't go out on weeknights" eliminates any possibility of a discussion occurring. Additionally, research from the University of Houston and Boston College found that using this phrase reinforced the decision and increased the individual's responsibility.
50. No action is taken (truly!).
You should fully engage in whatever you consider to be "nothing," whether it's binge-watching your favorite program, immersing yourself in a good book, or zoning out to music.
