Quick Question – When was the last time you took a break? I mean just you, yourself and yourself? I’m pretty sure it’s probably being a while right?
We are often caught up in something I like to call “the overachiever drive” which could be in form of managing a business, thriving in your 9-5, raising kids, building and sustaining relationships, etc. All that hustling and pushing can make us feel good and productive BUT you know you need a breather, the thought has popped up in your head a couple of times, and you regard it as counterproductive – until you are drained, stressed and overwhelmed.
Honestly, there are days when I try to be superwoman, I try to do more than I can reasonably accomplish and knowing there’s only so much my body, mind, and spirit can take. Since I can’t jump out of the rollercoaster of life or stop the world from moving, I’ve discovered a few ways to relax.
Here are 7 simple ways to give yourself a break.
- Get a massage: Massages are known to be very relaxing, but that’s not all. Proven facts have shown that massages can also lessen depression and anxiety, enhance immunity and reduce fatigue.
- Meditate: Take some time to meditate, even if it’s for five minutes. Try lying with your back on the floor. It is amazing for your body and it helps your back and neck muscle to properly relax. Close your eyes, and take deep breaths to calm your nervous system and clear your thoughts.
- Express yourself creatively: It’s hard to stress and overthink when you are engaged in something exciting and expressive. Do something hands on (that involves eye-hand coordination) – paint a picture, knit a sweater, go outside and take pictures of nature, bake a snack, make a collage, plant a flower, play video games, repair something, write a poem… you get the drift?
- Make a success list: Take some time out to count your successes. It’s okay to give yourself credit. Make a list of all your proud accomplishments and be grateful for them instead of dwelling on the things you are yet to achieve, it is far more empowering and less draining.
- Take a tech-free break: You can decide not to check your phone or turn on your TV/computer first thing when you wake up in the morning. You can read a physical book while commuting to work instead of tweeting or replying messages. You can take a tech-free hour while eating lunch, to enjoy your surrounding and actually taste your food. So… no phone, no computer, no tabs/pads allowed!
- Indulge in a guilty pleasure: Read your favorite magazine, go shopping, have a few drinks with friends, go to the movies, take a walk on the beach, go out for ice cream (it’s okay to cheat on your diet) just do something that always pulls you out of your head.
- Dance it out! Dancing is not just for special occasions. Put some music on and move your body. Dance when you are making dinner, dance while you brush your teeth, dance in your chair while you work. – Just dance! Dancing is also a form of exercise and helps to elevate our mood by raising our endorphin level.