Send the kids their grandparents and your husband off for a weekend with the guys and indulge in some quiet relaxation. Nurture your soul and recapture your spirit with mine and Crystal’s list of favourite things to do. And if possible, stretch that day right into a whole weekend to yourself. You deserve it! Please note the object here is not to do everything on our list. If you did that you’d end up exhausted and having your family back would feel like a vacation. Instead, just select the activities that appeal to you and forgo the rest. And, before you get started, make a game plan and acquire all the tools ahead of time so you don’t end you spending the day in search of the perfect items to make your day or weekend spectacular. (Just A Little) Wild Inside each of us a woman just dying to cut loose. Nurture your wild side by renting a convertible and explore the local countryside. Or take a tango or swing-dance class and flirt outrageously with the instructor. (All in fun of course.) Explore Your Artistic Side Being artistic is an effective form of mediation. It helps get your mind off your problems and allows you to explore from the inside out. On A Treasure Hunt Scope out local flea markets and antique shops to discover something wonderful. Loaf Around In The Kitchen Bake some bread – the old fashioned way. Awake your senses – feel the soft dough between your fingers and knead away any stress that lingers. Take in the comforting aroma and let yourself enjoy the whole process including indulging in a thick slice with lots of butter. Simplify Your Life And Your Mind There is no doubt about it, when you un-clutter your life you also un-clutter your mind. Take the opportunity to put stray photographs into the family photo album. Reorganize your jewellery box. Go through a pile of old magazines, read what you want then get rid of them. Let The Sun Stream In Open up your mind and your home by inviting nature indoors. Roll up the blinds, pull back the curtains, crank the windows and let the fresh air and sunshine steam in. Grab A Good Book Visit your book shelf and dust off one those books you were dying to read when you first bought it but somehow never got around to reading. Or, curl up with a classic from the local library. Watch A Chick Flick Escape to the world of make-believe by renting a video or going to the movies. Jot It Down Start a gratitude journal. Take a fresh page and start writing down the things you are grateful for. Or simply use the time to get your creative juices flowing. Compose a fan letter to yourself – sing your own praises or do a stream of conscience – write for five minutes straight, scribbling down whatever comes to mind. Forget about grammar and punctuation. Just enjoy the experience. Beating Your Souls (Feet That Is) Rub some sandalwood or spruce essential oil into the bottoms of your feet, inhale deeply and remain barefoot for at least an hour. Caress the ground with the soles of your feet as you walk. Hit The Trails Maybe a foot massage isn’t your thing. What about a going for a nice long walk? Walking slowly, breathing deeply and focusing in on your surroundings helps to calm any mental tension. Find joy in small treasures like a smooth pebble or a fragrant flower. Envision each step as a deposit in your emotional bank account. Walking on a regular basis is like building up reserves of strength you can draw on when you need them. Think of tackling your goals one step at a time – literally. Give Yourself An Energy Burst Get those creative juices flowing again with a momentary time out. Lie flat on the floor. Elevate your feet with two pillows. Place a cooling gel mask or soft cooler pack over your eyes and/or forehead. Relax and take deep breaths for ten minutes. Take A Catnap A late afternoon doze can do wonders for your outlook. Draw the blinds, kick off your shoes and snuggle under the covers. Close your eyes and image you are in a sailboat about to embark on a journey. Sail along the smooth seas. Once refreshed, slowly rise, splash water on your face and give yourself a good stretch. Toast Yourself Now, we aren’t suggesting you head down to the nearest tanning salon, we’re recommending you treat yourself with a delicious glass of wine. Toast your best qualities and enjoy the quiet moments of relaxation. Tune In Some Tunes To relax yourself even further, tune in your favourite radio station or grab a much loved CD. Go Soak Yourself Pamper yourself with a luxurious bubble bath. Set the mood with music, candles, and maybe the odd chocolate or two. Mix drops of lavender oil into the water (it’s a natural relaxant) and submerge yourself. Gaze At The Stars Lie on your back, look up at the sky and try to locate the Big Dipper. Follow the light of an airplane as it slowly streaks across the sky. Picture its passengers on their way to some exotic, far off destination. |