For me, Sundays are blissful. It is the one day in the week where I let myself relax completely. It envelopes me in it's peace. I listen to softer, more relaxing music. I can actually feel stress melting away, and my body gaining back some of the strength that had been lost in the chaos of the previous week.
I think almost all of us push ourselves too hard. Don't get me wrong, hard work is good. And pushing ourselves is important. If we didn't push ourselves, nothing new or exciting would ever happen. But when does it become too much? In my opinion, it becomes too much if we wake up each day with a feeling of dread, or fall asleep while reviewing everything you "need" to do the next day over and over. If you feel weak, or sick in the middle of the day, you're stretching yourself too thin. Even GOD took a day off! I think the world will be okay if you do too! Now, I understand that sometimes, depending on your life and what you do, you cannot simply "take a day off". If you are a mother, father, or other caregiver, it wouldn't really make sense to say to your three-year-old, "Well, I've dealt with you all week. Today I'm going to stop feeding, clothing, and taking care of you. Fend for yourself." Or maybe you simply don't like having full days where you do nothing but relax (though, I must say, if you are the latter, how do you do it?!). Whatever your situation, I still strongly believe that having time to unwind is very important, not just for your own well being, but also the well being of others (who wants to be around a cranky cat?). If you can manage it, try to have at least one day off in the week, even if it just means not doing EVERYTHING on your to-do list. If you can, take it a step further. Have an entire day you set aside to do nothing. As I've stressed before, this can be very beneficial. If however, you just can't swing that, here are some tips on how you can have little mini relax sessions, whether you are at work, school, home, or even in traffic:
- Massage your hands. I like to do this when I am particularly stressed and in a public place. Simply rub the palm of your left hand with your right thumb. Continue by kneading the fingers, all the way to the tips, using your thumb, index, and middle finger. Repeat for right hand.
- Close or cover your eyes. Think of the last place you felt at peace and/or happy. For the past few months, I've pictured Oregon. I sometimes will even plug my ears to really get into it. I do this when I need to slow my breathing or just to gather myself (I find that when I concentrate on my breathing, I just start stressing about that. This way gives me better results. But if focusing on your breathing works for you, by all means, feel free to substitute.)
- Have a bath or shower and take your time (but don't waste water!) I don't like baths, which is why I usually opt for taking a shower instead. If you are bathing, maybe throw in a bath fizz or those bath salts that you've been meaning to use.
- Get crafty! Think you don't have an artistic bone in your body? No need to fear! There are about a gazzilion craft ideas and DIYs that ANYONE can do. Here are some ideas to get you started:
- for the bird lover: make this easy diy bird feeder
-make personalized magnets
-get your drawing/doodling on with this super easy optical illusion drawing
-OR, just hit up Pinterest for more ideas; this is my crafting board - No time for a book? Why not treat yourself to a magazine next time you are at the drugstore, and flip through it at your leisure
- Pet an animal (make sure it's friendly first!)
- Put a drop or two of your favourite essential oil on the inside of your wrists, or hair.Maybe go for one that is known to reduce stress (I like peppermint and lavender). P.S. Make sure the smells is not too strong or offensive if going out in public
- Manicure or pedicure. Either do it yourself or get it done somewhere.
- Have a cup of tea, decaf coffee, hot chocolate, etc. (I usually go for peppermint if I'm stressed, but decaf coffee when I want a treat)
- Pray or Meditate
Often, when I find myself feeling completely overwhelmed by everything, it helps to remember to pray. I ask God to ease my burdens and give me peace. Even when I am not stressed, it is always a good idea to pray. And don't just talk. Be still and listen too. Even if you are not a religious person, this practice is still good. Take time to reflect and focus on other things.
Morrigan Shay
