You’ve snapped at your husband, barked at the kids and come within a hairs breath of hurling the hamster across the room. It’s 7:30 in the morning.
It feels like you’re on the carousel at the playground, but it’s spinning faster and faster and your sweaty palms keep losing their grip. You try to hold tighter, but it doesn’t stop. And you Just. Can’t. Get. Off.
These seemingly insignificant warning signs may mean you need just a teensy little break in your life.
A paltry few minutes to catch your breath.
You need a moment to decide whether pitching the ancient washer onto the front lawn is really the approach you want to take. Maybe it’s the ironing board—wrinkled clothes included—that needs to go.
In short, you need a break.
Here are a few suggestions to help you get off the carousel, regain your equilibrium and recharge your spirit. All of them take five minutes or less.
Go outside. Take a short walk and look, really look, at the trees and plants and creatures that inhabit your world. This was my view on the Silver River yesterday as we headed to the boat dock to wait for the students. On chilly mornings, steam rises off the water, giving it an incredible, other-worldly look.
Misty Morning on the Silver River
Light a candle. Some scents energize. Others relax. Find a candle that makes you feel you can sink right into it and enjoy it for a few minutes.
Listen to music. Instrumental Jazz always relaxes me. It flows, it stirs, it gently eases my shoulders back down from up around my ears.
Call a friend. We all need “ledge friends” — people who can walk us off the edge, give us a hug and make us laugh.
Write it down. Sometimes, getting whatever it is out of our heads and down onto paper is enough to take the stress level down to manageable levels.
Give thanks. Offer a prayer of thanks for the many blessings in your life. Gratefulness renews our energy, our optimism and our faith.
Steam Rising from the Silver River
Those are my favorite quick recharge strategies. If you have a minute, I’d love to hear yours…
Lovely post – thanks for the reminder, Connie. My morning walk in the city often recharges my batteries. Something about the sunshine and energy of the commuters…
Hi Jamie, glad you enjoyed it! Fall is my favorite time of year and being outside–whether in the city or the country–always recharges my batteries! Wish I could join you on your morning walk!
Ah, thanks, Connie, I needed that.
All great suggestions. I can feel my pulse slowing down just looking at your pretty pictures.
Have a great day!
Lynne
I’m so glad. That’s what I was hoping they’d do.
Have a wonderful day!
Connie
What a stunning spot, Connie!
Its Spring here at the moment and wonderful walking weather. My favourite thing to do is take the dog up the mountain to the Centre of NZ and stand under the point that marks it and marvel. It never fails to invigorate me and makes me glad to be alive : )
Either that, or take the dog to the beach and laugh as she does zoomies, a big grin on her face. She’s a greyhound, so she is breathtaking to watch in full flight.
Hi LaVerne–that sounds like a wonderful spot!! I’d love to visit someday. And picturing your greyhound running full out makes me smile! Thanks for sharing that,
Connie
Boy, I could use every suggestion. Think I’ll start with a walk.
It’s great walking weather right now! Here’s hoping it helped refresh and renew your spirit, Diane!!
Hands down, my main stress reliever is…stretching. 15 min in the morning sets the tone for the day. Then I stop and stretch 3-4 min at any point in the day when I start to get stiff again. I can even stretch a bit in my office chair, if necessary! Love your other suggestions too, Connie!
Great idea, Leslie! That one’s going on my list in a more regular fashion, rather than the hit-or-miss stretching I do now. Thanks