FINDING TIME FOR R & R

The definition of “rest and relaxation” depends on you.  Vacationing may be relaxing for you, or it could be stressful, depending on your likes and dislikes.  Working in your garden could be invigorating or a waste of time.  If you can’t picture yourself stopping or slowing down at all, spend the first month scheduling time to make R & R happen and then take that time.

Soon it will become a habit and you’ll do it naturally.  This is your rest and your relaxation, but here are some suggestions: 

1.      Take 30 minutes a day just for you.  Swing in a hammock, read a book or take a nap.  Enjoy them!

2.      Escape to Fantasy Island.  Picture yourself being fanned and served by your favorite “fantasy” person.  (I know who I’d choose!!)  That should bring a smile.

3.      Breathe deeply.  It calms you down, allows you to refocus and lessens anxiety.

4.      Make your surroundings comfortable.  I always enjoy reading in bed or even figuring out my new ideas there.  You do what works for you.

5.      Tie your recreation to your goals.  For fitness, take a walk.  To learn a new language, carry a language CD. 

6.      Use travel time in your car for education.  Use your errand or running time to learn something new or listen to music, humor or books on CD.

7.      Do your changes gradually.  Put yourself in circumstances that encourage rather than discourage.

8.      Take mini-vacations.   Stop looking for “glumps” of time. You’ll see and do more and still have memories to talk about.

9.      Have a grab bag of things to do.  (I love this one!).  Put slips of paper with a wish on them in a bag and draw one out each time you have time. 

10.  Keep your emotional bank account full.  Remember, it takes five positive deposits to counteract one negative.

11.  Be your own catalyst.  Recharge and renew yourself so you’re always raring to go.

Just remember, there is not just one way to do something.  You can travel many paths to reach your goal.  What’s most important is that it’s your path and your goal.  I’ve learned there are many people who’ve lived someone else’s dream and not their own.  We don’t want your life to end with that dream still in you.