Take A Breather!

When I was a kid, my mother was always doing something: sewing her own clothes, making us Hallowe’en costumes, baking bread every Saturday and desserts every night, planting gardens, renovating the kitchen when there was finally enough money. Even sunbathing in the backyard was an opportunity to study German. It was only in her late 60’s that she started staying in bed past 6:30 a.m., and she loves the luxury! It’s not uncommon now for her to spend a rainy day curled up on the sofa, reading – and she encourages me to do the same. “What about the vacuuming?” I ask, having learned from her to get the chores done first. Her response: “It can wait; sit for a while with your book, how about some hot chocolate?”

Most of the people I know have a goal of a healthy balance between work and play, social time and solo time, movement and relaxation. A lot of energy goes out, taking care of family, working, dealing with the endless variables of daily life, so it’s important, even crucial, to get nourished ourselves, in order to be able to keep giving.

Since taking care of ourselves is usually one of the first things that goes when we’re busy or stressed out, it can be helpful to make a list, a reminder of what you really enjoy. Then, when you feel the need to slow down and relax (which should be every day!), just look at your list. In case you have trouble starting your own list, here are some suggestions.

You don’t have to be a yoga student to enjoy some wonderful and easy restorative yoga poses. Restorative poses help calm your nerves, relieve fatigue, and offer complete relaxation to your body and mind. A couple options: 1) lie on your back on the floor and put your legs up on the wall. Put a folded towel or blanket under your head and/or rear end, for additional comfort. Place your arms on the floor, palms face up. Close your eyes and rest for five minutes. 2) kneel on the floor with your knees slightly wider apart than your hips, and your big toes together. Take your hips back to your heels, and bend forward. Stretch your arms forward, or bring them down by the outer edges of your legs. Rest your forehead on the floor or a blanket, close your eyes, and be aware of the breath moving in and out.

Take a hot bubble bath. Turn the lights down, add a few candles, and let the heat of the water ease tension and weariness from your muscles and bones.

Walk outdoors. Get some fresh air, lift your eyes up and look at the world around you, listen to the birdsong, the wind in the trees. This earth is so beautiful, and that beauty can uplift our spirits.

Play with your pet. That’s right, get down on the floor with them, watch how they play, and join their games! Dogs and cats are marvelous reminders of the importance of play, not to mention great teachers. When my head is overfull of everything I’m trying to keep track of, my dog is the best for bringing me back to the present moment, laughing at her pleasure in being outdoors or getting a tummy rub.

Make a cup of tea, sit with your feet up, and look out the window at whatever passes by. Let your thoughts move through your mind like clouds moving across the open sky.

Whatever you do, take time every day to renew and refresh yourself with a breather. You’ll be so glad you did!

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