Re-Energize, Relax, Refresh – Now More Than Ever

Time to Re-Energize, Relax, Refresh

I was supposed to leave for vacation in Florida tomorrow. Twelve wonderful days on the beach to re-energize, relax, refresh. Oh, the best laid plans.

The last time I had a “real” vacation was 18 months ago in Hilton Head, SC. Wait, Hurricane Florence hit and we had to evacuate one and a half days into vacation. I was really looking forward to leaving for vacation tomorrow. I really, really need time to re-energize, relax, and refresh; time to leave the hustle and bustle.

Even though we have postponed vacation for the foreseeable future, below are some suggestions for taking time to re-energize, relax, and refresh no matter what, and even more so during this time of uncertainty and increased stress. Do it for yourself and your family.

Re-Energize

Here’s a quote about moving and stress reduction; straight from the Mayo Clinic: “Exercise in almost any form can act as a stress reliever. Being active can boost your feel-good endorphins and distract you from daily worries.”

I’ve always exercised and I love being outdoors. One activity I’ve found to decrease my stress even more during this time is going outside to walk. I’ve usually walked once a day at least four or five times a week, but now I’ve been walking twice a day six to seven days a week. Why? Because it takes my mind off of COVID-19. The one or two hours a day I walk takes my mind off what’s going on in the world and I believe we all need a “break” from the real world… Especially now.

If you don’t like to walk then find something and just move. Go out and work in your garden, mow the grass, do an online Zumba or yoga class. Move. I’ve also promised myself after this time of self-quarantine is over, no matter how busy I am, I’ll never be too busy to just go outside and take a walk; no matter what. Why? Because I’m worth it. Because if I can do it now and I’ve worked at home for 25 years, I can do it for as long as I can move. I used to walk with a walking group and their motto is, “We walk in all kinds of seasons for all kinds of reasons… Because we can.” I am blessed to be healthy enough to move.

Relax

Yes, we’re all busy; again, especially during this time, but it’s important to take time and relax. Find five or ten minutes each day and relax. Below are some suggestions on how to relax, both for you, your spouse, your significant other, and your child(ren):

• Deep breathe. The great thing about breathing deep is you can do it any time and anywhere. You can do it on your bed, on the floor… Put your hands on your stomach, breathe in, count to three, then breathe out counting to three. Repeat five, ten, or however many times you need to in order to feel relaxed.
• Release physical tension. I know when I’m really stressed I feel the tension, especially in my neck and shoulders. In fact, I had a knot in my upper left neck area for almost two months this past winter. It’s true. In order to not have that happen (or lessen your chances), practice releasing the physical tension in your body. You can do so by laying on a soft surface, such as your bed, a carpet, or a yoga mat. Tense up one part of your body at a time, and then slowly release your muscles. As you do this, notice how your body sensations change. Many people start either with the muscles in their face or those their toes, and then work their way through the muscles across their bodies to the opposite end.
• Journal thoughts. When you feel stressed, write your thoughts down on paper – in a journal, a notebook, etc. Doing this activity can help clear your mind from troubling thoughts and help you relax.
• Practice gratitude. No matter what is going on, there are many things we can be grateful for – our health, our home, our family, the sun shining… Every day I write down three things I’m grateful for and some days it may be the smallest thing – my dog sitting next to me, my husband taking a walk with me – it doesn’t matter how big or small. What matters is the more we practice gratitude, the more relaxed we can be.

Refresh

Taking time to re-energize and relax makes us feel refreshed. When we’re refreshed we have a more positive mindset,we have clearer thoughts on what to do, and why we’re doing things.

Life’s thrown us some curves lately and some curves we aren’t thrilled about, but no matter what there are things we can do to re-energize, relax, and refresh. Remember, life/business/family – it’s a holistic approach – we’re more in tune with everything when we take the time to put things in motion so it all works together.

Now’s the time you may be considering a new path for business or life. If you’ve ever considered being a podcast host, jump on a call this Thursday, April 2nd, with Kathleen Gage. I’ve worked with Kathleen and she gives you what she promises; the ultimate professional. Since working with Kathleen, I’ve been a guest on several podcasts, and I’m waiting to hear back from other hosts. She’s taken it up a notch and is teaching people “How to Start Your Own Podcast Show.” Starting any venture is time consuming, stressful, yet exciting. She’ll walk you through what’s needed.