Get Smarter in the Shower
Few things are more routine than our daily (or twice-daily) showers. So why not put a new spin on it?
Try showering with your eyes closed. That’s totally closed — no peeking!
Keeping your eyes closed will allow your other senses to kick into gear and force you to approach this seemingly-mundane task in a whole new way. This is a great way to change up your day and relax, all at the same time.
This exercise may sound silly, but it’s actually suggested by scientists to stimulate your brain and improve mental clarity! Figuring out where the shampoo bottle is (or how to shave your legs without missing a spot) without being able to look allows your mind to flex its problem-solving muscles.
Action Item:
Remind yourself to close your eyes the next time you shower by drawing an eye on a Post-It note and affixing it to the bathroom mirror.
(Photo by Norma*iriz*.)
Inject Some Color Into Everyday Routines
Liven up a boring chore with a little color!
Today, toss out those dull yellow gloves you keep under the sink and replace them with a more colorful pair — pink, perhaps?
Where else might a little color shake things up?
Action Item:
Add “Colorful Cleaning Gloves” to your shopping list, or buy a pair on Amazon in size small, medium, or large.
If pink’s not quite your color, Amazon also has blue, orange, or purple selections.
(Photo by rubberglovelover.)
Explore New Caffeination Possibilities
Every day, you’re at the coffee shop ordering the same old thing. Why not try something new?
The next time you’re in line, ask the barista to surprise you with any coffee on the menu … her pick. (If she seems hesitant, ask her to make her favorite; in my experience they’re usually quite willing to shake things up for you!)
What’s the worst that can happen? You try a new coffee flavor, and you don’t like it — then you can go back and get your original preference. But more than likely, you might discover that you like that new syrup / blend / tea just fine, and you’ve added to your future caffeination options.
(I’ve had both experiences when asking to be surprised … I fell in love with vanilla soy lattes at a Tully’s in downtown Seattle, but I still remember the Orange Creme Frappucino at a Starbucks in Twin Falls, Idaho that tasted like Triaminic — blech.)
If you usually drink flavored or blended coffees, you should try it black! It’s admittedly an acquired taste, but once you’ve powered through the first few weeks, you’ll leave the creams — and the associated calories — at the coffee bar.
Action Item:
Put a Post-It note on your coffee rewards, Starbucks, or credit card reminding you to be surprised the next time you order coffee.
(Photo by Ahmed Rabea.)
