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My guide to a relaxing and feel good day!

After finally finishing another year’s study, this time in reflexology, it’s time to relax!

For a year I’ve been longing to do so many simple things and dreaming of having the time to do them. 

So here it is, my year long wish list and guide to a relaxing day…..

1. Don’t set the alarm, just allow yourself to wake up naturally.

Sleep is the time to rest those weary brains and let our bodies start to repair and replace damaged worn cells. Most of us don’t get chance to do enough of it. So getting more sleep should be first on anyone’s list.

 

2. Have a long breakfast made up of healthy and good-for-you stuff to kick start your day.

I’ve definitely learnt this year that food is fuel! As our lives change and different demands are put upon us, be it physically or mentally then our bodies require the fuel to provide us with the energy. Take the time to listen to your body and hear what it’s really asking for…. It’s not chocolate!

 

3. Take a long soak in a hot bath

Take a hot bath and pamper yourself with something like Burts Bee’s Therapeutic Bath Crystals http://bit.ly/kPLyjz

Heat and water are both known for their relaxing properties; giving your overworked and tired muscles the chance to soak up some soothing and revitalizing salts does them the world of good. If you have a busy mind and struggle to switch it off, try putting on your favorite CD, you could even sing along!

 

4. Read

Pick up a long awaited book and dive in. Give your mind something else to think about other than work. Trying to wean yourself off being constantly busy can sometime be quite difficult and it may be easier to read short stories or poetry and gradually build up to a novel.

 

5. Make a list of all the things you’ll get round to doing tomorrow! Put it away and forget all about it.

I’m a great fan of making lists; I find it incredibly satisfying ticking things off. Having a notebook in your bag to jot down great ideas as they pop into your head is essential. You can also be really organized and have a computer program and order things in degrees of importance. Which ever you choose, for once adopt               the Spanish saying “manana”!

 

6. Put on that favorite album that you haven’t listened to in ages and lay down on the floor or sofa and enjoy it all the way until the end.

Few people get to listen to music while they work, and at home there’s a million and one other things to do that take priority. Treat yourself and before you know it you might find yourself dancing round the living room, which is a great way of relieving stress and tension.

 

7. Have an afternoon power nap and catch up on some well-needed rest.

If sleep really has been lacking don’t be surprised if by lunch-time you feel exhausted again. It’s just a sign that more time to rest and repair is needed. Power naps are great! I think 15 minutes is the optimum nap length. To avoid grogginess when you wake, gradually bring yourself back into the room by wiggling your toes and fingers, and increasing the amount of movement in your body by gently rocking. Have a big drink of water and you should start to feel more revitalised.

 

8. Make sure you get a little fresh air, even if it’s just a stroll around the garden.

Fresh air and sunlight on a daily basis are really important for taking in essential nutrients, which maintain health and vitality of both the body and mind. Spending everyday going home, car, work, car, home = a lack of daily essentials required to maintain long-term health. So increasing the amount of fresh air and sunlight I expose myself to has to be included, even if this is just a daily 20-minute walk round the block.

 

9. Cuddle a kitten or puppy

Research has shown that spending time with our furry friends can reduce stress levels, reduce the risk of depression and keep our blood pressures in check. Because of their unconditional love and non–judgmental listening ears, they are usually better in this role than other humans.

I have two cats that have been missing out on cuddles while I’ve been working such long hours. It’s time for me to reduce my stress levels and increasing their happy levels!

Check out this article for more info “How owning a cat or dog can reduce stress”

 

10. Catch up with old friends

We’re all guilty of letting the months pass without getting in touch with friends and relatives. Taking some time to find out how everyone is can really make you feel happy, lift your mood and see that there is more to life than work.

Keeping a big social network, gives you a feeling of self-worth and belonging and usually some laughs!

 

Hope you get chance to put together and live your relaxing day wish list soon!

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