We live in a hectic environment these days. There is always somewhere to go, something to do, or a bill to pay. I’ll admit that I often get so caught up in all of the things that I have to check off of my list that I don’t even realize that there is nothing on the list for myself. I work in a high-demand department in healthcare, I’m a very hands on mom, and when I get time to do what “I want”, it’s usually the laundry (I’m a Type A). Every night, I don’t typically get alone time until about 10:30 at night and by that time, I’m completely exhausted, and famished. I realize that the entire day has gone by and I haven’t done anything for myself, in fact my dinner has become a bag of chips to hurry up and scarf down before my next to-do.
This isn’t healthy.
Every now and again, we have to stop doing everything else, and stop thinking about everyone else and take care of
ourselves. I’ll admit, sometimes I feel a bit selfish for thinking that way (mommy guilt is REAL!). But then I remember that I have to put the mask on myself before I put a mask on anyone else. In an effort to decompress I try to do at least one thing for myself a week. This usually occurs on a Sunday. Below are a few things that I like to do either at the end of the night to decompress, or on my Self Love Sunday. It all depends on what I’ll be doing and how much time it may take.
Light a candle- It doesn’t get any easier than that! I do this almost every night unless I am so tired that I think I’m going to fall asleep with them still burning. Turning the lights down low, and lighting a beautifully scented candle helps me to decompress almost instantly, especially after a nice warm shower! I take this time to do some of the simple things that I love like read, or just stare blankly at the ceiling.
Nailed it!- I like to paint my nails on those late nights when the day has had its way with me, and I just need to unwind. If I’m feeling the need to really be pampered (and I’ve got the extra cash), I just go ahead and book an appointment at a nail salon for a mani-pedi. It’s amazing what a foot massage or just a change in nail color can do for your stress levels.
Walk it out- This is probably my favorite, most unlikely way to decompress. On the surface, going for a walk can seem like just something else to do. But once I started actually doing it, it became something that I looked forward to. Not only am I reliving stress by releasing endorphins (source) but I’m getting a bit of exercise in too. Bonus: If I just really need to get out and get my endorphin fix, I DRAG MY CHILDREN ALONG!
Shoot a bullet- Not at the range! One of the latest things that I’ve been using to decompress is bullet journaling. It is a serious thing and nothing short awesome! It is something that I stumbled upon, and it has truly been a game changer in my weekly decompression session. Like walking it can serve as double duty; allowing me to let my creative juices flow while also helping me to stay organized. Seriously, Youtube bullet journaling. It may change your life!
In a world where there is always something going on, it’s easy to get lost in it all. We have to do more than stay afloat. We have to make sure that we are splashing in the water on a pizza shaped floatie, having a good time with a margarita. Self love babe, self love.
What do you like to do to decompress?
