Are you already living quite healthy but still feeling too stressed or busy sometimes? Would you like to find even better mental balance? Have you ever wondered what affects your tolerance for stress?

 

I’m living an extremely busy life with my two studies and job – the life full of schedules. How am I able to handle all that? Today I’ll discuss a bit about techniques that have helped me keep my inner balance. I wish you can learn something new here today!

 

 

Sleeping

 

For me, this is the most important one. When you have slept well you’re more tolerant of stress and everything seems easier. Sleeping is also good recovery time for your body and brain – it facilitates learning and if you’re sick gets you better faster.

 

I target to sleep 7-9 hours on average. The amount of sleep that makes you feel energetic is the best for you – usually, that’s between 6 and 10 hours a night. If you cannot sleep enough during night take some power naps. These should be either very short, around 20 minutes or 1.5 hours – that’s because a sleep cycle of an adult is around 90 minutes and you feel most energetic if you wake up either before or after the deepest sleep of the cycle.

 

 

I and my fiancée have used an iPhone app called sleep cycle for years now to make sure we wake up when it’s the best time of the cycle. The app basically tracks your sleep an wakes you up at the best possible moment in the time frame set by you. It also tracks how you have slept during the night. Learn more about that app on the website of Sleep Cycle.

 

 

Relaxing

 

Sometimes it’s just nice to listen to music and chill or go roaming outdoors without any schedules or targets. Whatever your favorite way is, remember to relax. Take some time without schedules, rush or targets. Let your brain and body relax time to time.

 

 

Doing Things You Love

 

 

What could be better for your happiness and mental health than enjoying life? Do things you love on a daily basis if you can. Find a job and hobby you love, and study area(s) you are passionate about. Inner motivation to things you do helps you wake up and keeps you going happily.

 

Anyhow, remember to have other things in addition to your work and studies as well. You might love those and it’s great! However, it’s good to also have hobbies, friends, family and other things in your life. Enjoy time with your pet, run by the beach, listen to music and chat with your friends.

 

 

Being Well-Organized

 

 

When you know what you will do and when you don’t have to stress about time. Having a clear schedule helps you to handle multiple deadlines and other projects.

 

Even better than just having that schedule in mind is to have it written down. Personally, I use the calendar app of my Apple products to make sure I won’t miss anything important. In the app, I have my work, some, studies, etc. in their own calendars written down.

 

When you have everything listed, you don’t have to actively keep those things in your mind. That lets you focus on other things. I find it easier not to try to remember everything – instead, my phone and laptop know where I should be and when, and those keep me on track.

 

 

Deep Breathing

 

I found deep breathing exercises when I bought my Apple Watch (it includes a free app for deep breathing!). Deep breathing is a good way to make your body and mind to relax. Just focus on every breath and don’t think about anything else. Sometimes it helps you to reduce stress. I love using those if I have had tough conversations or if I’m super busy and stressed.

 

 

Holidays and Day Offs

 

Above: Relaxing and eating well in Restaurant Musta Lammas

 

Even if you love your work don’t work every day. Remember to take some time off too. Go for a holiday or just enjoy the fact you can spend the entire day with your hobbies, friends or other non-work-related things. Believe me, it’s good for you time to time.

 

If you want more tips for flying and organizing holidays, there are a couple of my posts related to this topic:

• Free Tips: How to Find Cheap Flights (or even Fly Free)
• How to Book Flights for a Multi-Destination Trip Like a Honeymoon?

 

For additional tips, Hims has written an excellent article about traveling ”like a boss” – comfortably and with style. Find it here:

• How to Travel Like a Boss in Coach

 

 

+ Eating Healthy and Exercising

 

 

A healthy mind often lives in a healthy body. Thus, take good care of your physical part as well to keep your mind balanced and well.

 

Other posts in this series can teach you more about healthy eating and exercise habits:

• Wellness Wednesday 1/5: Foods I Eat (almost) Everyday
• Wellness Wednesday 2/5: Lifestyle Choices that Keep Me Healthy and Happy
• Wellness Wednesday 3/5: 5 Exercise Tips & My Exercise Habits?

 

 

I hope you enjoyed today’s post. Let me know your tips for a healthy and balanced mind and life in comments!