Finding time for yourself can be hard. In between balancing work, life, family, trying to work out, attempting to be mildly social and keeping laundry from swallowing you whole, there’s not much time to #treatyoself. But it’s important. And yes, people will continue to tell you how important it is and yes, you’ll continue to struggle to find time for it in your day. Or maybe that’s just me.

Lately it’s been tougher than ever to try and squeeze time in for myself. In the last two weeks, I’ve been really overwhelmed with work commitments (everyone here waits until after Derby to schedule things, then it hits you all at once) and blog projects (I’ve admittedly gotten a little ahead of myself) alongside all the kids’ sports and end-of-school year activities. I find myself taking it one day at a time to avoid feeling like I’m in over my head. Admittedly, sometimes I feel like shutting down and walking away from it all.

To avoid that, I’ve been recommitting to unplugging and spending some time alone, even if it’s just for a few minutes every day… in my car. No, but really, when I had the chance to partner with Babbleboxx to try out some goodies aimed at making ladies’ lives a little less stressful and a little healthier, I was game.

So consider this like a Five I’ve Tried but instead of being beauty focused, I’m looking at ways to bring a little more balance into the day.

So there you have it, three easy implementable ways to add some more chill into your day. It’s not much but baby steps. For me, it’s easier to start small and build on it. These little steps, despite how menial they seem, make me feel more accomplished, more grounded and a little more in control of my day.

Photos by Tabitha Booth. 

Thanks so much to Babbleboxx for partnering on this post. All opinions and random ramblings are my own. 

• Schedule a Workout or Go for a Run:

  Whenever I feel overwhelmed, the easiest way for me to quell the anxiety is taking time to work out. Whether it’s taking a CycleBar or Orange Theory class or just running around the block, nothing clears my head like a workout. It’s one of the only ways for me to get out of my head and just focus on the task ahead of me … aka not quitting.

  I love going for a run when I can’t get into a class or don’t have time to sneak away but finding wireless headphones that don’t fall out constantly is a struggle. When I ran the mini a few weeks ago, I spent half of the race trying to keep my ear buds in. So I was really excited to try out these Aftershokz Trekz Air headphones. These don’t go in your ears, instead they rest right outside them allowing you to hear both the music and the world around you. They’re really good for running outside – you can hear cars, people on bikes and friendly neighbors saying ‘hi.’ They also stay put, which is a modern miracle for headphones that don’t cost an arm and a leg (p.s. – you can save $30 until June 30th with code DANIELLE30).

  The box also included this Champion Absolute Mesh sports bra which had me feeling like I was getting ready for 9th grade track practice in the best way possible. I have really broad shoulders so finding a sports bra that fits well but also provides support can be tough. This one fit the bill on both fronts. I loved the 90’s color vibes too, so cute layered under a white t-shirt post-workout.

* Commit to a New Book

I absolutely love reading. I was a huge bookworm as a kid but in the past couple years I’ve let my brain rot on too much TV and not spent enough time with my nose between a book. I’ve had spurts of listening to audio books but this summer I’m committed to reading more books. Actual paper books, not books on a screen. Not because I don’t love a Kindle. I do. But I find myself abandoning books when I read them on my Kindle. It’s easier to ditch them or forget about them especially if I don’t charge it.

With a hard copy, I’m more likely to finish a book. Not sure what it is but the permanence makes me committed to finish it. I just started the book that came in this box, The Myth of the Nice Girl and I already can tell it won’t be hard to finish it up. It reminds me a lot of Lean In. I’m only two chapters in but it focuses on how woman can use the ‘nice girl’ mentality to their advantage in the work place. Building a strong work culture is really important to me with our new business and it’s good to be reminded that you can lay a strong foundation on being kind, thoughtful and yes, nice. If you’re on the hunt for a new business/motivational book, this is a good one.

And on the reading note, these readers from Zenni Optical are so cute. I love the blue frames. Thankfully I don’t need a pair yet (thanks LASIK) so I am gifting this pair to a friend but I am half tempted to wear them and just pretend. The cool thing about these is that they have blue blockers to protect your eyes from eye strain caused by too much blue light from computer and phone screens. I may not need reading glasses but these sunglasses may be sitting in my cart and waiting for me to hit ‘Order.’

* Start & End Your Day on a High Note

About a year ago, I got on a kick of starting off every morning with a glass of warm lemon water. It was supposed to help with my digestion but what it really helped with was starting the day off on the right note. Just the act of walking to the kitchen and making a mug of water every morning gave me a couple minutes to myself before the mad rush to get everyone out of the house. I fell out of the habit after a couple months but I want to get back into it, and I feel like slower summer mornings give me the opportunity to make it happen.

I’m also focusing on taking vitamins again. It’s another good habit that I have trouble sticking with. They say if you can do something for 21 days, it becomes a habit so that’s what I’m trying. I’m adding in these Pure Synergy Turmeric Extract pills that came in the box to my vitamin packs. My mom has been on me to try Turmeric for years, it’s supposed to be really good for inflammation and joints so she’s taken it for her bad knees for years. With all the trouble Drew has had lately with his feet, I’m willing to try anything to keep from getting hurt so this is now in my daily routine.

They also sent some of their Organic Beet Powder to try out. It’s supposed to be really daily boost so I need to try and mix it into smoothies. I haven’t yet but Drew has and he said when you mix it in, you can’t taste it at all. I’m going to give it a go this weekend and will report back.

That’s the start of the day and at the end, I keep a candle on my bedside table to light when I jump in bed to watch TV. It’s a passive way to get a little good vibes while binging trashy shows on Bravo. I got this Peace & Tranquility Chesapeake Bay Candle to put out good vibes while watching middle-aged women yell at each other. It smells delicious and if it brings even a little peace and tranquility into my space, then it’s a win.

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So there you have it. Some really simple ways (no need for fancy classes, new equipment, memberships or other nonsense) to make a little more time for yourself on the regular.

Thanks so much to Babbleboxx.com for partnering on this post.