Last week was one of the LONGEST weeks. Do you know those weeks? Where on Tuesday morning, you kind of pinch yourself and say “is it really only Tuesday?”
It was just physically and mentally draining. These weeks happen, and it’s important to be able to bounce back from these. You have to be careful to not get dragged down and stay down.
Ten Ways to Restore your Physical and Mental Health
1. Watch something enjoyable, and somewhat mindless.
Skip the subtitles and the deep thinkers for this one. Watch something light-hearted or funny. Or maybe something you’ve seen a million times, and you can quote, but it makes you feel like home. Get a good snack to enjoy while you watch – maybe it’s popcorn, or maybe a big bowl of ice cream. I also have been known to make my own cheese board to enjoy with a glass of wine!! I also tend to knit while I watch tv/movies because it keeps my hands busy as well.
2. Take a hot bath.
A hot bath with either bubbles or some Epsom salt never hurt anyone. It will help those sore and exhausted muscles. Not only physical restoration, but it will also help your spirit. It tells your body that it’s time to relax, time to let go.
3. Get a massage.
It’s worth the money. Go to a good massage therapist and get a good massage. I suggest at least a full 60 minutes to get fully relaxed. I actually have a scheduled massage once monthly.
Mine also does sports massage because I needed some therapeutic massage due to some chronic sciatica. (I found that the massage helped more than a chiropractor, and once copays were all said and done, it was cheaper.)
4. Read a book.
A real book with pages. Not a kindle or ebook. You need the tactile feel of those pages flipping through your hands and the smell of a good book. Let the ink flow of the page and heal your soul.
Related Posts: Five Must-Read Books for the Summer
5. Snuggle with a pet.
Animals can heal the most restless and tired soul. So snuggle up with your fur baby and let your troubles go.
6. Make time to have dinner or a cup of coffee with a good friend.
Take some time to go see a good friend. Sometimes, it is nice to have that person who understands you – just gets you! You can tell them the events of your week, your deepest feelings, and they totally get it.
7. Exercise.
I can’t tell you how important this part is. There is something about exercise that clears the mind. I jokingly call CrossFit my therapy, but it’s not really a joke. I can have the absolute worst day, go in and have a great workout, and walk away feeling like a million bucks. Don’t Crossfit? It doesn’t matter – just exercise. Take your dog for a walk, do some yoga – just exercise and get that blood flowing.
8. Enjoy your hobby.
For me it’s knitting. Sitting down and knitting a few rows does something to help me just slow down, take a deep breath, and relax. Do your thing. Maybe you like to bake. Maybe you collect something. Whatever it is that you enjoy as a hobby, stop and work on it. It’s giving yourself that much-needed me-time to do something just for you.
9. Sing.
Yes, out loud. At the top of your lungs! (You can totally do this in private – in your car or home alone!) Put on your favorite music, and sing! Singing along to your favorite music can uplift you, and take the weight off your shoulders.
10. Go to bed early!
Just unplug from it all and go to sleep. You deserve some rest. Difficulty falling asleep? There are some great meditative apps that will help talk you into a deep sleep. You can also get a sound machine/white noise machine that will have the sounds of nature, falling water, whatever it is that helps you rest.
What do you do to restore? What can I add to my list?
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