Simply Relaxing - 3 Great Ways to Relax When Stressed

In the past few months I think our entire country has been slightly if not incredibly more stressed than we have ever been. We're unsure of our job stability, how to pay bills, how to keep costs down and even worried about keeping a roof over our heads. In these times it may seem selfish to take out time for yourself, but no one is benefiting from you being so stressed that you can't do anything effectively.

Therefore I'm suggesting 3 ways in which to take time for yourself, within 10 -30 min that you can do, GUILT FREE, so that you can rejuvenate yourself.

1) Go for a walk.

Simple enough, possibly seems like a useless waste of time, but trust me it'll work. Leave your cell phone at home, maybe even leave the dog at home, bundle up if it's cold and go take a walk for 10 minutes, 30 minutes or an hour, whatever you prefer. During this time don't just think about all that you have to do, take time to enjoy the scenery, yourself and clearing your mind, GUILT FREE. If you're in the country, look at the sky, the gardening in a neighbor's yard, the snow on the ground. Inhale deeply, feel the air on your face, touch the trees as you pass by, really enjoy this with all of your senses. In the city? Take time to look at the architecture, watch how other people act and think about how their reality is different from your own, think about the simplicity of this act of just walking in a bustling metropolis. This walk will clear your mind and get you ready to take on whatever the day throws at you next.

2) Take a bath.

Now this one is hard for me because it doesn't always make sense to take a bath, but time alone in a bath will sooth your body, your mind, and give you time for reflection. When you are setting up the bath, look around your cupboard. See if you have any herbs or teas that you can add for aromatherapy. A great tea that I'll use in a bath is a cup of Meditative Mind. It is a blend of white tea, jasmine pearls and rosebuds, the combination of which creates a soothing and calming aromatherapy best used when stressed, under anxiety or depression. With this in place, you'll be able to tune out the world for a while, GUILT FREE. Focus on your breathing, be aware of your body and reflect on the things you do have in life, be it your family, your health, a smile someone sent your way, an old friend you haven't contacted. Think about what is truly important and you'll be able to clear away the clutter of everything that isn't.


3) Make your favorite meal, drink or dessert.

Oftentimes we eat on the run, when it's convenient, or are making meals to satisfy other peoples needs and wants. This time, I want you to take the time to make something for yourself, GUILT FREE. If your favorite dish is brownies, go ahead and make some. If you've been craving a steak, go ahead and put together a fantastic rub, use tea leaves if you have some, and then enjoy it alone or with whatever sides you prefer. If you'd love to have a smoothie or a milkshake, have it! In our society we've become so afraid of food, calories, what is in our meals that food, in it of itself is stressful. Go back to the mindset of when you were a kid and didn't care about food. What did you LOVE to eat? Take some time to put love back into the meal that you choose and savor every bite. This way, instead of falling into the vicious cycle of eating because you're stressed and stressed because you're eating, you'll actually feel more productive because YOU made something, you made something YOU wanted to, and YOU were able to take the time to enjoy it.


Images taken from: http://www.llethrydbarns.co.uk/images/Llethrydcwm.jpg
http://piesandbass.wordpress.com/2007/12/11/dark-indulgent-chocolate-brownies/

Simply in Love – Time with My Sweet(tea)

A new Valentine’s Day idea: Sharing tea with the one you love

If you’re anything like me, you like the idea of Valentine’s Day: the affections, the romance, taking extra time with the one you love, but don’t really care about the hype: the build up, the expectations and particularly the eventual but inevitable letdowns of the day.

Even if you’re not like me, what I am suggesting is something that you can do with anyone you love. Be it your partner, your husband or wife, your best friend, whomever it is that you want to spend time with this Valentine’s Day, do it, over a cup of tea.

On this holiday, it is hard to think outside of the box, the chocolate box if you will. We all know the standard scenario: a darkly lit restaurant, a small candle and maybe a rose between you and your loved one, an expensive dinner not without champagne or a bottle of wine, and the hope that something extraordinary will come of the night.

This year, instead of doing the typical Valentine's Day celebration, why not surprise the one you love with a new holiday celebration. I’ll paint the scene: A cozy blanket, some soft music (be it classical, jazz, meditative, etc.), a semi-lit room (maybe one light on), a cushy couch or bed with lots of pillows, a warm soothing cup of tea and you and your loved one. A recipe for one of the most romantic, memorable and possibly even soulful Valentine’s Days you’ll ever have.

Take this time with your loved one to enjoy each other’s company and conversation. Realize that you are simply sitting down to take in life, to take time for each other and to give into relaxation and comfort. Talk about anything and everything, laugh a little, cry if you need to, listen to your love's thoughts, dreams, hopes and desires. In this space, in this frame of mind, you will then find that what you really want on this day of love, quality time with each other. A cup of tea in hand, someone you love by your side, and just for a night, the rest of the world--gone.

(photo from http://fc65.deviantart.com)