33 Stay-Sane Habits of Successful Women
Backrubs are a nice way to relax if you have the money or a kind partner. Same goes for practicing yoga on top of a mountain or cruising around the Greek Islands. For the rest of us who aren’t reality TV stars, here’s what 25 women who have spoken at the Conference for Women do in their daily life to decompress, recharge and stay positive:
“My morning time is sacred to me. I keep the first two hours in the morning to myself to write, read, plan the day or week and drink water and do my affirmations. This solo time is necessary to my creation and in serving others.”—Ishita Gupta, founder of Ishita Gupta Media and Fear.less Magazine
“I am a devoted wife and mother of two young children. Making time for them every day makes me happy and gives me the energy support I need to keep going.”—Robyn Carter, executive director of Room to Grow
“Laughter with my family or friends. Being silly keeps me de-stressed.”—Janine Driver, president and lead instructor at the Body Language Institute
“Good tea and lots of hugs.”—Sera Bonds, founder of Circle of Health International and a childbirth educator/advocate
“There was a time in my entrepreneurial journey when I worked right through lunch, feeling that I had too much to do. When I finally transitioned to taking a firm, one-hour lunch break, I was able to start my afternoon of work refreshed.”—Brittany Highland, editor of the Austinot.com and owner and COO of Knektion
“Spending time with my husband and son always leaves me feeling re-energized and refocused. Since launching the Dot Complicated newsletter and site, I’ve also been much more conscious about the importance of unplugging from technology when I’m spending quality time with my family and friends. And, of course, Diet Coke.”—Randi Zuckerberg, founder and CEO of Zuckerberg Media and editor-in-chief of Dot Complicated
“Prayer and my children.”—Linda Cliatt-Wayman, principal of Strawberry Mansion High School in Philadelphia
“The one thing I make time for always is reading leisurely. I find escaping through characters gives me a chance to relax while building creativity I bring back to my company.”—Vernette Freeney, blogger and founder of Women Are Gamechangers
“I watch non-challenging television. Silly comedies such as Big Bang Theory. The dancing shows. Professional sports.”—Esmeralda Santiago, novelist and author of three memoirs including Almost a Woman
“I’m a new believer in the power of mediation. I started with very basic techniques to simply be more mindful and present. Then I invested in a mediation teacher to coach me on better methods for greater results. I no longer think that a full, busy life automatically means a chaotic, harried one. I used to be resigned to that insanity. No more!”—Tory Johnson, contributor for Good Morning, America and author of The Shift: How I Finally Lost Weight and Discovered a Happier Life
“I try to exercise daily with running or yoga. And I make sure to have real personal time for my kids, whether we are reading, going on adventures or just grocery shopping together.”— Emma Johnson, blogger at WealthySingleMommy.com and contributing writer for Success Magazine.
“At the end of the day, I go home, get comfortable and snuggle with my dogs while sipping a glass of red wine. Glorious.”—Dahna Hull, VP and general manager of AT&T Mobility, South Texas
“I make time in my daily life to spend time with people that I love, like my husband and friends, and exercise religiously. Exercise, eating healthy and being fit must be priorities. They are for me.”—Cathie Black, former chairman of Hearst Magazines
“Writing can make me feel focused and mindful, if I sit down and commit to 30 minutes or an hour. It’s a good feeling to allow myself that reflective space. I can’t say I do it every day, but I’d like to.”—Jessica Bacal, director of the Wurtele Center for Work and Life at Smith College and author of Mistakes I Made at Work
“My daily Starbucks Venti soy latte! And almost every night after we put the kids to sleep, my husband and I have an hour together to share a cup of tea and catch up or watch TV. Necessary and rejuvenating!”—Samantha Ettus, founder of Ettus Media Management and WorkingMomLifestyle.com
“Music, good food, workouts.”—Catherine D’Amato, president and CEO of The Greater Boston Food Bank
“I have a dinner conversation with my husband.”—Deborah Jackson, founder and CEO of Plum Alley and a founder of Women Innovate Mobile Acclerator
“Every day I spend time envisioning a future in which I have achieved my professional goals, made huge contributions to the world, and enabled my immediate and extended family to thrive developmentally, culturally and financially. This vision keeps me inspired to stay focused. Every night I make a gratitude list, which reminds me to enjoy the journey.”—Karen Huller, founder of Epic Careering and JoMo Rising
“Facebook! I’m an extrovert and I thrive when I’m connected to people. With more than 2,000 friends, family members and supporters, I remain invigorated by my vast network of friends all over the world.”—Amanda Steinberg, founder of DailyWorth.com
“Liquids—coffee, lemon water, tea, green juice. I’m 11 years sober and I still drink all day.”—Glennon Melton, founder of Momastery.com and author of Carry On, Warrior
“I think of myself as leading a European lifestyle. I work out of my home so I fix myself a lovely lunch, take a nap if I need it and if I’m in the middle of reading a good book I’ll take time in the afternoon to read a few chapters. I am actively involved in the practice of happiness.”—Kathy Kinney, actress and co-author of Queen of Your Own Life
“Walking my dog to clear my head.”—Kate Marlys, owner of Philly PR Girl
“I make sure to keep myself engaged in my relationship with family and friends and I’m comfortable saying ‘no’ when I know I need to balance. I pay attention to what my body is telling me and I take time for myself participating in non-work related hobbies that keep me happy and balanced overall. A fresh mind is powerful!”—Nicki Maher, VP of Charity by Design at Alex and Ani
“Having great friends and spending time with them is the best ‘refresh’ for me. Regular exercise and…uh, a new pair of shoes never hurts.”—Sherri Reuland, owner of Reuland Orthodontics and co-founder of the Boot Campaign
“Dancing to Tina Turner, Janet Jackson or Beyonce all over my furniture. Even my kids have to crawl out of bed sometimes to tell me to keep it down.”—Tiffany Dufu, chief leadership officer to Levo League and launch team member to Lean In