How to have a stress-free evening ▷▷
Hello there! Hope you all are having a marvelous week! Sorry for not posting last week-- it was a hectic time. This week is better, and I'm feeling good and creative.
This week, I will give you a few tips on how to have a stress-free evening... if your having one of the weeks like I had. Whether you work 40+ hours per week or are a stay at home person, you still need that "relax" time for yourself. This time is to reflect on what makes you happy and a time to pamper yourself. It's really not an "option" to take care of yourself, I mean, if you don't take care of YOU-- how can you possibly take care of anyone else? This is how I see it, anyways. :)
These are some of my favorite tips that I feel will help some people to unwind, and hopefully it can be a weekly event or bi-weekly? I really hope that you can take at least a half hour per week to escape reality and create YOU time.
Let's get started...
✣ Take some time to read a good book or magazine. If you're like me, I have about ten books laying next to the bed waiting to be read. I also have dozens on my iPad. Reading enables your mind to escape to another place and can also strengthen the mind. I have heard that reading makes your smarter... I mean, why would it not? Your learning new words perhaps, and sentence structure is important. (I can't help it, I loved English class).
✣ Watch one of your favorite movies. I have several movies that will wind me down, and make me laugh at the same time. I'm a huge fan of the 50-60's era movies... and my favorite actress is Audrey Hepburn. I love how everyone dressed up to go everywhere, and the biggest problem they had was which fancy drink to make. I just sit and watch and dream. I'm clearly in the wrong generation. Anyways, watching your favorite films will help you to relax, and also if it's a comedy-- make you laugh! Laughter is the best medicine!
✣ Listen to music. This is my favorite thing to do all the time! Actually, I am chair dancing as I am typing. I kid you NOT! Anyone else do this?! I am such a music fan of ALL music from classical and jazz to tech and pop. Music ALWAYS puts me in a great mood! Each song has its own message and beat... plus, it can bring back good memories. I can't even tell you all my favorites... we would be here for three days!
✣ Meditate. I really am trying hard to save at least 5-10 minutes a day for this. Meditation is a great way to savor the moment and focus on the important things in life. Take this time to sit somewhere quiet (away from the dogs, kids and outdoor noises), close your eyes, and take super big deep breaths. You can also listen to some soft music to help you quiet your mind. If you have a fascination with water sounds like I do, here is a fantastic list for you:
Sacred Healing Waters by Sayama
http://www.amazon.com/Sacred-Healing-Waters-Sayama/dp/B0009HLCF6?tag=duckduckgo-osx-20
(also available on iTunes)
✣ Be creative! What kind of artist are you? Bust out the canvas and watercolor, or grab some clay and create a fabulous sculpture. Okay, if you don't like these ideas, there are plenty of other ways to be creative... even decorating your home or cooking uses a skill. Everyone has some creativity in their bones!
✣ Write someone a letter-- handwritten please! As in old-fashioned sitting down and taking a pen or pencil and letting the words create themselves on paper. This is so relaxing to me when I'm having a stressful day... and the person receiving the letter will be thrilled that you took time to write to them. Snail-mail it is! By the way, I purchase these little note cards and pens from Target... they always have great stuff!
✣ Spa night! Yes, please!!!! Create your own little spa right in your home. You can make yourself a mask and foot soak (I have a mask recipe in my blog archive) or you can purchase them from my shop, if you don't feel like grabbing supplies. I like to throw my hair up, crank up or down the tunes, grab some wine, and slather some chocolatey goodness on my face! I also love to throw a few drops of organic lavender oil on a cotton ball and deeply inhale. Instant relaxation. This whole spa-ish process calms the nerves and puts you in a better mood.
✣ Take a hot bath. This is a very calming experience. Light a few candles, listen to some light music, and let the hot water take you away. You could even throw some epsom salt in the bath to soothe, and detoxify the body. Winning!
✣ Clean and organize. This may sound odd and boring, but some people like myself love to clean and organize. If I am having a bad day, I will organize like a crazy! Somehow, in the process of organizing, my mind is slowly slipping away from the bad day. Try it.
✣ Go for a walk, preferably a nature walk. There is something amazing about nature... the scent, sound, and inspiration. Anytime I need some fresh ideas, nature is where I turn. She somehow has all the answers to everyday problems. We live by Lake Superior, and the waves and smell of the water is truly breathtaking. I love to sit by the lake, collect unusual rocks, and bring a picnic.
✣ Buy a fresh bouquet of flowers. Fresh flowers in the house... there is nothing like it. I prefer white flowers, as they are so fresh, crisp, and clean looking. Plus, they make the house smell amazing. What are your favorites?
✣ Sip on a favorite wine or tea. This can be anything that you love! I love a nice cabernet... just because the health benefits are so worth it. Peppermint tea is also known to soothe and calm the nerves.
These are just a few tips that can transform a stressful day into a stress-free evening. Even a half hour can do wonders for your mind and body. Take that time for YOU.
Thanks so much for reading! Hope you have a wonderful weekend!
Take care,
Jennifer
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