Stressed? Try this….
Most people “know” that they should make caring for themselves a priority, but often feel challenged to make it a personal practice. Self-care or wellness can start to feel like a chore for busy people. Taking time out is just one more thing on the to-do list rather than a life-giving time out. Making yourself a priority doesn’t have to be a big production.
Here’s a fast, easy, reliable way to find relaxation.
To start, make a list of things that you enjoy in each sense category. Here is a sample list for reference:
Sound: Rustling leaves, ocean waves, summer rain storm, Top 40 music,
Sight: Candle flame, changing leaves, mountains, ocean front, big open fields, the J.Crew catalog, cuddly animals
Smell: Cinnamon apple candles, my shampoo, oatmeal lotion
Taste: Hot tea, milk chocolate, pumpkin muffin, blueberry muffin, watermelon
Touch: Hot bath, cozy blanket, warm sun, cool morning air, fuzzy socks, cozy clothes
The next time you are in a stressful situation, you can go to your list and pick out a couple of items to calm the feelings of stress. Sometimes just looking at the list is enough to put you in a calm, relaxed state.
If you want to make a "kit" to take with you, collect some of the items that travel well, and assemble them in a pouch or a bag that you can put in your car, your desk or your bag. When you are feeling stretched or overwhelmed, take a break and use an item in the kit to travel to your "happy place." Using the list above, a travel kit might include pop music on my phone, a scenic desktop background, a mini travel lotion in my favorite scent, hot chocolate packets tucked in my desk, and a soft sweater.
The list I included is just a small sample of a much longer list. Want to dive deeper? Make your own list and challenge yourself to engage in one wellness activity for the rest of the year. You deserve to be well.
@carolynmariephotography
Hey! I'm Samantha, a professional counselor living and working in Asheville, North Carolina. I help stressed out professionals at the top of their game ditch perfectionism so that they can find joy! Sound like you? I’d love to connect. Schedule you free consultation to get started.
