These past few months have been a stressful 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 at home with unruly children or a partner, worried about elderly relatives, no one has had it easy.
The amount of tolerance and patience required, the mental agility to cope with new and unfamiliar ways, combined with the challenge of emotionally supporting people devastated by the situation they find themselves in during this unprecedented pandemic, has taken its toll on everyone. those involved.
Dealing in the midst of tragedy by trying to stay positive, optimistic and perhaps professional has been in high demand from everyone. There are times when you need to take a break. Not a vacation, or a night out with friends, but a simple break, a break to recharge.
Sometimes, after a busy and stressful day, it’s tempting to sink into an easy chair with a drink and the remote control. This may be fine once in a while, but doing it long-term is counterproductive and can leave you feeling lethargic and flat.
When you need to take a break, here are some positive suggestions;
– Take your lunch somewhere ‘nice’, perhaps a beautiful spot nearby, instead of eating it quickly 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 from having time to take a step back.
– Go for a walk, run or bike ride and allow yourself some 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 clear your thoughts and fully engage in your activity? Notice the colors, sounds, and changes each 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 out toxins from your body; your fluid levels will soon readjust.
– Spend some time with music, perhaps revisiting those old favorites you haven’t heard in a while. Or play calm, relaxing music to help you unwind.
– Book a zoom call with friends and have a night out, dancing, energizing, reconnecting and having fun.
– Prepare a beer and call a friend to chat quietly. Settle down and exchange updates, laughs, and mutual support.
– Take some time early in the evening to escape by reading a good book. Maybe read while dinner cooks.
– Be creative. Many people have been baking bread and cakes with enthusiasm for the lockdown, stirring and kneading, creating wonderful smells in their homes. Even if your efforts aren’t edible, it can still be a therapeutic way to pass the time!
– Take out the crafts, your painting or your crafts and enjoy being absorbed for a while. Or spend a little time in your garden, tending to 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. Feel proud to revisit a positive achievement.
– Enjoy family downtime together. If your children spend most of the time at home, not every moment should be devoted to formal education. Get outside and go for a walk, a nature trail, bird watch, kick around a ball. Or if it’s indoors, play board games, crafts, make up games.
– Take a break with your partner. The lockdown may have dug up some irritations in your relationship as you spend more time together, each taking care of your individual worries and concerns. Do things separately but also have fun together on a regular basis; walk, talk, cook, play. Invest in some positive time for us.
– Ask your partner for a massage. No talking, just a wonderful way to relax your muscles and release tension from your body. You may alternate shifts, but really enjoy the benefits of having your body soothed and massaged.
– Make sure your bedroom is a cozy haven, a place to retreat and relax. Clean sheets are always a plus. 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 indulgence of a bath. Candles, bubbles, your favorite music, and a thirty minute soak can be a great way to relax and feel completely clean and refreshed after a long stressful day. Warm 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 excellent free meditations are available online. Even if you just wear them to relax, it’s a lovely everyday break.
– Make the effort to look up. Raising your line of sight from the ground to the trees and sky can lift your mood, open your eyes to sunlight, and reconnect you with the outside world.
Each of these suggestions is free and may require very little of your time. But taking a break recharges your batteries, allows your thinking to clear up, 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.
