These past few months have been a draining and emotionally draining time for many of us. Whether we are working longer hours, worried that we are not working, unsure about the future, staying home with children or a rebellious partner, worried about elderly relatives, no one has had it easy.
The amount of tolerance and patience required, the mental agility to deal with new and unfamiliar ways, coupled with the challenge of emotionally supporting people devastated by the situation they find themselves in during this unprecedented pandemic, has taken its toll. everyone involved.
Coping in the midst of tragedy while trying to stay positive, optimistic, and perhaps professional has been a huge demand for everyone. There are times when you need to take a break. Not a vacation or a night out with friends, but a simple break to recharge.
Sometimes after a busy and stressful day, it’s tempting to sit in an easy chair with a drink and the remote control. This may be fine from time to time, but if done long term, it is counterproductive and can make you feel lethargic and lifeless.
When you need to take a break, here are some positive suggestions;
– Take your lunch somewhere “nice”, maybe a beautiful place nearby, instead of quickly eating it on the run, at your desk or in the car. Is there a local park, nature trail, garden, or beach where I can enjoy a thirty-minute break? Make something tasty and nutritious and savor every bite. And know that everyone around you benefits that you’ve had time to step back.
– Go for a walk, run or ride a bike and allow yourself a personal space each day. Some people like to combine that with listening to music, podcasts, or making calls, but why not take this valuable opportunity to clarify your thoughts and fully participate in your activity? Observe the colors, sounds and changes every day; focus on the here and now.
– Keep hydrated. Feeling tired and irritable may be because you are drinking too much coffee or too little water and have become dehydrated. Drink more water and flush toxins from your body; your fluid levels will readjust soon.
– Spend some time on the music, maybe checking out those old favorites you haven’t heard in a while. Or put on some quiet, relaxing music to relax you.
– Book a zoom call with friends and have a night of partying, dancing, being energetic, reconnecting and having fun.
– Prepare an infusion and call a friend to chat quietly. Calm down and exchange updates, laughs, and mutual support.
– Take some time early in the evening to get away by reading a good book. Maybe read while dinner is cooking.
– Be creative. Many people have been enthusiastically baking bread and cakes for closing, stirring and kneading, creating wonderful smells in their homes. Even if your efforts are inedible, it can still be a therapeutic way to pass the time!
– Get out the crafts, your paint or your manual work and enjoy being absorbed for a while. Or spend a little time in your garden, taking care of your plants, perhaps growing herbs or vegetables.
– Do something you are good at that you may have forgotten; DIY, a musical instrument, something that gives pleasure by itself. Be proud to revisit a positive achievement.
– Enjoy family free time together. If your children are mostly at home, not every moment should be devoted to formal education. Get out and about for a walk, a nature trail, bird watching, kick a ball. Or if you are indoors, play board games, crafts, make up games.
– Take a break with your partner. The confinement may have uncovered some irritations in their relationship from spending more time together, each addressing individual concerns and concerns. Do things separately, but also have regular fun together; walk, talk, cook, play. Invest in some positive time for us.
– Ask your partner for a massage. Don’t talk, just a wonderful way to relax your muscles and release tension in your body. Alternating twists maybe, but really enjoy the benefits of your body being relaxed and massaged.
– Make sure your bedroom is a cozy retreat, a place where you can retreat and relax. Clean sheets are always a bonus. And if you’re going through an especially busy and difficult time, it’s good to commit to going to bed a little earlier to relax.
– Immerse yourself in the sensory pleasure of a bath. Candles, bubbles, your favorite music, and a thirty minute bath could be a great way to relax and feel completely clean and fresh after a long and stressful day. Warm up your towels and enjoy the full spa experience.
– Take a mental break and practice gratitude daily. Appreciating what you have can lift your spirits, improve your mood, and give you a respite from tense situations.
– Meditate and clear your mind. Some great free meditations are available online. Even if you just use them to relax, it is a beautiful daily break.
– Make the effort to look up. Raising your line of sight from the ground to the trees and the sky can improve your mood, open your eyes to the sunlight, and reconnect you to the outside world.
Each of these suggestions is free and may require very little of your time. But taking a break recharges your batteries, clears your thinking, and helps you better manage the daily stress you’re experiencing. And if you have any more suggestions, be sure to add them to this list.