So here we are at the start of June. I don’t know about you, but I often find that this month is one of the busiest and most tiring of the year. If you are at school then exams are looming, at work there are deadlines to be finished before the holidays. Everywhere people are rushing about like worker ants determined to have everything place before that precious resting time of the year the glorious holidays. In a way this hive of activity is completely natural as in the wheel of the year we are coming closer and closer to the height of the summer, the summer solstice. However if we don’t want to crash and burn when it comes to our holidays we need to make sure we remember to take breaks and relax. After all life is all about enjoying the journey and what better time to enjoy it than when the sun is shining!
So for those of you, who like me are feeling a little overwhelmed with all of this activity here are my tips for helping you to make time, infact only 15 minutes a day to relax and recharge during the pre summer rush!
Spend your time wisely
As Tony Schwartz, the founder and CEO of the Energy Company says “Paradoxically, the best way to get more done may be to spend more time doing less.” Just as I recommended at Yule planning the month or time up until the holidays is the best way to get what you need to do done without burning yourself out. For ideas look at the Yule planning guide. Try and see if you can set a block of time aside to do something rather than doing five minutes here and there. Having the time to immerse yourself in a task will get it done quicker. 15 minutes of planing for the month is gonna save you a lot of time and stress during the month.
Plan breaks
In your monthly planning plan your break times first. There is only one you and you need to take care of you, otherwise you ain’t gonna be going anywhere or doing anything. Remember the art of not doing anything promotes prosperity. Take a break. Give yourself 15 minutes every day just to unwind and recharge and you will soon notice the difference.
Re charge on sleep
The pace of life we set for ourselves today is unsustainable. When I first moved to Scandinavia I was surprised the the concept of the afternoon nap is socially acceptable for all ages of adults, as well as children. To me it was a waste of time. Yet I have discovered the power of forty winks in the middle of the day is actually one of the best lifestyle treatments you can give yourself (with the added bonus of being free!) Arianna Huffington co-founder and editor of the Huffington Post says “Sleep makes us more productive, creative, less stressed and much healthier and happier,” and she, as “sleep evangelist” ,believes this so wholeheartedly that she provides places for her employees to power nap at work and other companies are following her lead. Book yourself a power nap everyday. Even as a busy Mum it’s possible just get the whole family involved and introduce power napping to the daily routine.
Get outside
Nature is one of the best possible re energisers. It’s official. Rochester university has done extensive research to find out that “Nature is fuel for the soul, “.Nature energises us, making us more resilient even to illnesses.Research showed that 90% of the participants felt more energised after 15 mins in nature. So instead of reaching for another coffee go to the park on your lunch break or take the kids for a walk after school.
Have time in the sun
Right now the sun is shining and this does wonders for us. Humans and the sun have a relationship that is similar to a solar panel. The sun’s rays actually helps lower blood pressure and increases oxygen content in our blood. The increase in our vitamin D actually strengthens our brain’s cognitive functions and helps the part of our brain which stores our memories! And of course on sunny days our brains make more serotonin which makes us feel happy. So while we have the sun around us get outside and recharge (although do remember to use sun block etc). 15 sunny minutes can make a huge difference during a busy day.
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Use your 15 minutes wisely. If you can’t do any of the above one of the simplest ways to relax is to have 15 minutes on no connection. No phones, computer no nothing with anyone else, just you. Make a commitment to making relaxing important this month and give yourself the gift of 15 minutes every day. It doesn’t have to cost anything however you will gain the boost you need to get you to the summer holidays without wearing yourself down.
On that note it’s power nap time – Have a relaxing and productive week !
