Take an Epsom salt bath and read for pleasure<\/strong>. When was the last time you read a book just for fun? Head to your local library or place an Amazon order for something that looks interesting to you, because reading opens up the mind and creates a lot of joy \u2014 while giving you an opportunity to imagine and escape reality. Once you\u2019ve got the book in hand, plan a steamy bubble bath also filled with Epsom salt \u2014 no technology allowed. The hot water and Epsom salt are great both for sore muscles as well as for promoting overall relaxation.<\/p>\n Make an appointment for pampering<\/strong>. A haircut, a manicure, whatever it is that you need, actually create time to go and indulge in the service this week. Give yourself enough time to stop at your favorite local coffee shop before or after your appointment and soak up the time focused on doing something that makes you feel good about yourself.<\/p>\n Go off the grid in nature for the morning or afternoon<\/strong>. There\u2019s science behind why you feel so centered after being out in nature, and that\u2019s because there\u2019s a true calming vibe to the wind blowing, trees, fresh air and sunlight. What better way to give yourself a stress-relieving treat than to turn your phone on airplane mode, put it in your pocket and stroll outside in nature or lie down on a blanket at a quiet park and get lost in your thoughts? You don\u2019t have to think about work or responsibilities but try to think about happy memories and things you are thankful for in the present. Solo quiet time in stillness and in nature does wonders for both the mind and body.<\/p>\n Say no to commitments that don\u2019t bring you joy, instead stay home and cook yourself a healthy meal<\/strong>. We\u2019re accustomed to staying busy and saying yes to everything that comes around, in order to get ahead at work and in our social lives. But when you start putting yourself first and considering your own needs above others, you will find that it\u2019s easier for you to say no to things that you don\u2019t want and don\u2019t need to do. Look at your calendar or wait until something new comes up and flex your \u201cno muscle\u201d when appropriate. Take that extra time to visit the grocery store, buy some produce, healthy fats and lean protein, and cook yourself a delicious and nutritious meal, which not only fills you up but also makes you feel amazing. Not only can cooking be therapeutic, but spending time preparing something that will nourish your body is a true self-care pleasure.<\/p>\n Whatever you do, remember that filling up your own tank, giving yourself the ability to handle stress and focusing on your own needs are not selfish acts. Good luck and take care!<\/p>\n John is the owner of Fitness Together Maple Grove. He has owned the studios since 2012. He has been a personal trainer, teacher, coach, personal training manager and studio owner for over 25 years. He is committed to meeting 100% of the wants and needs of his clients. The key to his success is his constant focus on client relationships, client experience, and client results.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" These days, it\u2019s very common for people to have too many commitments, to be constantly connected via technology and to feel stressed all the time. Unfortunately, constant stress leads to illness, injury and just plain unhappiness. But what if there …<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":65,"featured_media":4696,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[12,31,63,84,89,95,106,107,113,116,123,127,128,131,132,133,138,140,141,160,165,182,225,255,257,276,278,306,315,316,339,341],"tags":[763,781,935,1014,1085,1357,1359,1413,1587,1591,1606,1709,1737,1751,1768,1818,1833,1951,1965,2143,2203,2219,2343,2348,2415,2437,2517,2567,2649,2767,3094,3118,3180,3320,3383,3424,3556,3620,3667,3835],"yoast_head":"\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.liveyourlifept.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/09\/John-Unverzagt-Bio-Photo-2019-240x300.jpg\")
John Unverzagt, B.S., CPT, PES, CSCS<\/strong><\/p>\n