10 Slow + Simple ways to destress
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In addition to my "Stylish Notes" I have been and will be focusing a good bit on "Slow + Simple" as a means to try to uncomplicate our busy lives. We all need to slow down. We all need to appreciate the beauty around us. We need to refocus and regroup. When we are well rested and relaxed we perform better. We work better. We feel better!
Whether you have a few minutes or a few days, it's extremely important to stop for a moment, regroup, refocus and re-energize. If we don't we become run-down, irritable, exhausted, cranky and stretched too thin. It really doesn't take much. If you can give yourself even 20 minutes, do. If you can give yourself more, even better!
1. Take a long, hot bath
Bring your favorite book or magazine, a glass of wine or soothing cup of tea. Lie back, soak and luxuriate. Let your family know what you're doing and not to disturb you for at least 20 minutes. Do you have a favorite bath gel or bath salts? Lavender is soothing and epsom salts are said to pull all the toxins from your body.
2. Build a fire
There's nothing like a fire to put you into a relaxed state. The warmth, the smell, the colors all evoke peace and serenity.
3. Cook, write, create!
Do you have a passion? A creative outlet may be just what you need. Write a long letter, start your journal, write a memoir. There's nothing like cooking on a cold winter's day. Your home will smell divine! Bundle up and take your camera out for a spin.
4. UNPLUG!
Lose yourself in a great book or catch up on all the shelter magazines that are piled up on your coffee table.
5. Re-plug!
Participate in a marathon - a movie marathon that is! Watch some of your favorite classics and romantic comedies... a day with Nora Ephron, perhaps? I can think of worse things!
6. Go for a run, walk or spin!
There's nothing like generating a really good sweat to get those aggressions out. Download some new iTunes and get pumping. You will feel fantastic. Afterwards, sneak into the bath to relax those muscles!
7. Listen to music.
At home, in the shower, in the car... wherever you may be. Transport yourself back to your favorite era and let the music rehash some of your favorite memories. Or do as I do, and sing at the top of your lungs in the car. Be sure to make sure that all your windows are rolled up and that all the children have safely exited the vehicle!
8. Daydream.
Go ahead. Stop what you're doing for a moment and close your eyes and daydream. Daydream about the past, daydream about the future. You'd be surprised at how refreshed you'll feel afterwards... inspired even!
9. Pour yourself a glass of wine and put your feet up.
After dinner, before dinner... it doesn't really matter when so long as you just take a moment to sit and regroup. I have a glass of wine at the end of every day - well, nearly every day. It's my desert and it's my zen. I find a quiet spot away from the children, and put my feet up and relax.
10. Get up a little bit earlier every day.
Believe it or not this really helps. Ease into your day quietly, gracefully and peacefully. A slow start is the best start. Watch the sunrise. Turn on the news... read the paper, savor your morning coffee. Then, when you're ready, go and set the world on fire!
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Jessica