It has been a stressful couple of years. A pandemic, uncertainty, and worldwide news hasn’t been the cheeriest. I’ve personally found it difficult to relax, so I created a to-do list for myself. Five ways of relaxing that I go through until the right one settles me down. Here are my little secrets to keeping myself balanced with two kids, a busy job, and a new business:
- I love to take long walks. Whether it’s hiking trails or simply enjoying nature at its’ finest, I take the time to go outside and breathe in the fresh air. Mother nature is abundant in her blessings and generous. Relaxing can be just as simple as going for a walk.
- After a long day, who wouldn’t appreciate a herbal bath with Epsom salt and dried flowers? This is one of my absolute favours. Peace and quiet are hard to come by… yes, even in the bathroom (those of you with kids will get it), which is why we recommend a bath in the evening when everyone is down for sleep or too busy to bother you!
- Enjoy a cup of tea! There are a few teas that I really enjoy and I know you will, too.
- Mint teas are full of relaxing effects, they help soothe the body and calm the mind.
- If you follow me on Instagram, you’ll know that one of my go-to teas is Chamomile – it is well-known for being soothing in the evenings especially, it prepares the body for a good night's sleep and aids in digestion. It excellent for the body and the mind, and for an extra treat, you can add a dollop of honey.
- Lavender teas are known to relieve stress and promote relaxation, making it a great addition for herbal infusions.
- Rose teas are also known to provide a mellowing feeling and promote a potent relaxing effect. It’s great for unwinding after a particularly long day.
- Matcha teas are made from the camellia sinensis plant and contains some amount of L-theanine, a unique amino acid and is an excellent alternative to coffee.It is known for giving mental alertness without the side effects and jitters of coffee.
- A natural skincare routine is another one of my favourite methods – pampering yourself is essential in today’s busy atmosphere. We are so often concerned with the grind that we forget to do the most vital thing – love ourselves. Part of loving yourself is treating yourself to a clay mask, face oil, or body butter. Your body craves and needs attention.
- Last but not least, meditation. Practicing meditation can help you focus and feel more connected to the present moment. In doing so, you can benefit your health by lowering your stress levels, being more self-aware, and improving your tolerance for pain. There are multiple methods of meditation, I am going to focus on loving kindness meditation. It’s a form of giving yourself the compassion you rightfully deserve. Positive reinforcement through phrases of goodwill, and happy intentions.
- First, find a position that you’re most comfortable in. In a quiet room, close your eyes. Focus on your breathing – inhale, exhale.
- Think about yourself without judgment. Then, tell yourself either vocally, or in your own mind, that you’ll be happier, safer, healthier.
- Next, think of someone you truly care about and direct that positive energy and thought towards them.
- You can keep doing this while yygtrou bring other people into your awareness. Try harnessing loving feelings and thoughts towards yourself and others.
I truly wish you a relaxing day, week, month, and year. We all deserve to love ourselves and treat ourselves the very best so we can give the very best to those that deserve it from us. Much love.
~ Ruba