What would you do? Where would you go?
When is the last time you took a day off? I mean, a day where you didn’t check your email(s), cell phone(s), work messages, social media apps etc. every 5 minutes? Well, maybe you checked them a few times but at least didn’t respond right away…Ok, maybe you responded, but only to anything urgent!
It seems like this can be a simple task for some, but a lot of the times I am so focused on my to-do list and all the things I have to get done for the day/week/month I find myself unable to disconnect easily.
Recently, on a particular milestone birthday of mine, I realized that some special moments have somewhat passed me by as I focus more on what has to get done or checked off the list. So, in that moment, I took a deep breath, closed my eyes and truly enjoyed the moment I was in!
While I can’t stay home from work every day, avoid the bills I have to pay or take a vacation from my “adult” responsibilities forever, I have found these tips work best when I need to PAUSE the to-do list and RELAX.
Find the Sun! – With a little bit of cooperation from Mother Nature, I’ll likely see the sun at some point in my day. Ill take a moment to bask in the rays of that beautiful sunshine.
Music – Often more days than not, I have my favorite station playing while I work. Being a country music girl, that’s my go to genre but I find myself adjusting the station to a good hip hop mix or even some R & B depending on my day.
Laugh – I read a few pages from a book of jokes, watch an old cartoon I loved when I was little, or I call on a friend who I can count on to bring me up (Donalda and Kimmie Charming are my favorites for this), all of which can make me forget, at least temporarily, that just a few minutes ago I was ready to scream.
Slow, Deep Breaths – In through the nose, out through the mouth. Breathing exercises can help bring me back to a neutral state when I find myself overwhelmed.
Do Something FUN – I write a list of the successes 
from the day, or maybe I treat myself to a manicure, go to the aquarium, or get dressed up in my favorite outfit, accessories included, like the “forget the to do list necklace”, and go out! 7 Charming Sisters has all the latest FABulous choices for all of my jewelry needs. And what better than to wear a piece titled with a hint of “day off”!