Yesterday we took our foster daughters to a water park. It wasn't your typical water park - it was very family friendly with picnic tables and chairs, lots of grass and trees, and a variety of fun activities included in the ticket price . It was relaxing - beautiful views, pleasant music, very little cement.
As you may know, my skin cancer issues normally keep me out of the sun. So I parked myself under a tree as the "keeper of the stuff." I almost always bring things to do because I start to twitch (not literally!) when I have nothing to do. I made a few phone calls and looked over some stuff, but I deliberately chose to relax, too.
My body was giving me indications that I needed to relax - I didn't really want to be very productive, I was tired, and I didn't mind just sitting and watching people and the scenery. So I listened to my body.
We may not always have the opportunity to get away for a day when we are stressed. But we can take a few moments to be refreshed by intentional relaxing, whether at home or at work. If you are at work, turn off your light and put a sign on your door: "I'll be back in 5 minutes." Then go back inside your office and take five. If you are in a cubicle or open office, you'll have to get a little more creative. :)
Here are a few ideas:
- Close your eyes and picture your favorite nature scene - mountains, the beach, flowers, a sunset, etc.
- Sit in a swing or rocking chair and let your mind wander.
- Close your eyes and listen to a CD of nature sounds.
- Breathe slowly and deeply.
- Go outside and enjoy nature.
- Star-gaze.
- Go into a dark room, put your feet up, close your eyes and enjoy the quiet.
- Lie on your back in the grass and watch the clouds.
- Make yourself a cup of tea or hot chocolate and sip slowly.
- Remember pleasant times or places in your life.
- Look at an old photo album.
- Put cucumber slices on your eyes.
- Lie on the floor and put your legs up.
- Listen to, play or sing a favorite song or piece of music.
- Force yourself to do nothing.
What do you do to relax? Subcribers click here to comment on the original blog.
More Stress Relievers:
5-Minute Stress Relievers - Physical Activity
5-Minute Stress Relievers - Organizing and Cleaning
5-Minute Stress Relievers - Being Generous
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