For the first time in a very long time, I took myself on vacation! Well, myself and my best friend that is took a much needed and well deserved trip to have fun. You know FUN! If you’re schedule is anything like mine, you’re busy right? Who has time to just take a week to relax, no work, just blissful reflection time and FUN? Now I’m not saying we sat around the whole time doing nothing. Heck no! We explored the Mayan ruins, sampled Mayan and Mexican food (yum), floated down underground rivers (awesome), explored the local shops, walked the beach, and ate the best food ever. Maybe it was all the walking and fresh air, but I actually came back lighter than when I left (nice surprise).
What I can tell you is on those mornings as I watched the sunrise, I realized my body, mind, and spirit needed this decompression time. To just completely relax and take in the beauty around me, not be on any schedule … well except for the spa appointment … was a much needed prescription for my mind, body and spirit. I know I’m not the only one with a busy work and home life. We all get caught up in work then rush home to take the kids to games, lessons, or to a second job – survival right?
Okay, I know you’re saying you can’t afford to go on a trip like that. I hear you and that is the same excuse I used for years. But I’m telling you that you can’t afford NOT to treat yourself to some “me” time. Alone time to reflect and decompress from the daily stressors in your life. You don’t need to go on a trip to an exotic location either to experience relief or realize you need some.
Your deck, balcony, back yard, a nearby park, or even a room in your apartment or home that is just your space to unwind is good enough. Put on some soft music, get comfortable and just clear your mind of the daily clutter. Keep a journal and write how your day went, then write a positive thing for which you are grateful for each negative comment in your journal that day.
Spend some time in nature, go for a walk around your neighborhood or park nearby, breathe in the fresh air, listen to the birds and nature, feel the wind on your skin and how it caresses your body, count your blessings and focus on all the good in your life. I promise you will feel the tension melt from your body as you do this. The key is to make a daily habit of taking some time for you and only you. Start with five minutes of breathing and work your way into a full hour of meditation. Go for a daily walk before or after dinner, it is stress relieving and helps with digestion.
The secret … just do something … daily for yourself.
How many things can you think of to make sure you take more time for yourself? It is one of the most important gifts you can give yourself… so do it, for you.
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