Refresh your routine with just a few of these tips

When you’re busy with your daily routine of work, exercising and errands, it can be hard to feel refreshed and relaxed. If you find yourself looking for quick ways to recharge — and even to treat yourself — during your busy work days or hectic weekends, here are some easy tips to help you keep feeling your best, even when you're on-the-go.

1. Take a breather

When you’ve got a long to-do list, it can be easy to forget the basics. Take a few minutes each hour just to stop, close your eyes and take a few deliberately deep breaths. You can clear your head and help reduce stress when you give yourself permission to slow down for a few moments and consciously relax.

2. Tap into the power of water

Why is it that just looking at a body of water or listening to the sound of the ocean can instantly help us de-stress? Water is the ultimate relaxer. Besides keeping you hydrated when you drink it, water can also cool you down. While a dip in the ocean or a jump in a pool isn’t always possible, here are some simple ways to use water to help you feel re-invigorated.Take a brief cool shower after your workday to help you reset and be ready for your evening. Love tranquil ambient noise? Some meditation and sleep apps offer sounds like ocean waves or rain. Need a quick cooldown in the middle of the day? Run cold tap water on the inside of your wrists for a minute or two.

3. Refresh with a fruit smoothie

Even more refreshing — and delicious — than water to drink is a smoothie made from fresh fruit.  Make a tasty blend of pineapple, strawberries, bananas and freshly squeezed orange juice.

4. Unplug for a while
Constant notifications on your many electronic devices can sap your attention, leaving you frazzled, distracted and disjointed. While it may not be possible to unplug completely from your phones, tablets and computers, try to take mini breaks from the gadgets at least once a day. Power everything down for an hour or more and just live in the moment. You may be surprised how re-energized you feel.

5. Find what calms you
Pay attention to aspects of your environment or routine that bring you serenity. Do you love sitting under a ceiling fan that provides a gentle breeze? Does certain soothing music in the background make you feel “chill”? Is there a window view or a certain colour that always refreshes you? Build on those parts of your environment or routine.

For example, love the calming colour blue? Incorporate touches of blue to rooms where you spend a lot of time, even if that just means adding a few throw pillows. Find classical piano or jazz relaxing? Play some on your favorite music streaming service while you work.

Refresh your routine with just a few of these tips, and your day may feel a lot more relaxed and revitalised.