Rest & Relaxation

    So after returning from vacation, I realized that rest & relaxation seems to be an anomaly only for those on vacation. What happens the first day you return? Poof! All the crazy busy & stress are waiting for you at your doorstep. It only takes a few hours to undo all the good that was done while you were away. Face it, we are the sandwich generation, sandwiched between our aging parents’ needs and our kids. This is just the way it rolls but there are things you can do to keep yourself in vacation mode at any point in your day or week. Read on…

   The first rest & relaxtion tip is easy but not so easy. Just say ‘NO’ once in awhile. We do not need to volunteer for everything that is asked of us. We are allowed to say no & allow ourselves extra time to fit in the types of activities we do on vacation or should do on a stay-cation like…

1) yoga or exercise or a walk (will reduce stress, see yoga posture below) 2) a nap – yes we are entitled & it has wonderful health benefits! 3)  read a book or magazine 4) enjoy local sites or unique shops  5) sit outside & enjoy that cup of tea or coffee in the morning 6) go to a movie or rent a movie

    Also, what we don’t do is just as important – stay unplugged or less plugged in. We use our computers, phones, etc. much less while on vacation. (unless you are a teenager!) Even if you block out an hour or two a day for this it will be beneficial!

     As for yoga, if you need just one relaxing posture it should be Legs-up-a wall pose. From a previous blog here are the instruction below & photo to the left. It is the most beneficial pose for reducing stress!

 The pose I want to hail today can be called the legs-up-a-wall pose. Face it, ladies, gravity is taking its toll & any little bit that we can do to help is a plus. All you need is a wall or tall piece of furniture. Lay on your back & scootch your butt as close to the wall as possible with the legs stretching upward. Point & flex those feet. The hard part now begins: you need to relax & breath for 5 to 10 minutes! We are all busy, and taking the time to deeply breath for 5 minutes a day is shown to have tremendous health benefits. (Reducing stress needs to be a priority!) So, close your eyes & place your hands on your belly. Breath in and out through your nose. Feel your belly inflate & exhale pushing all the stale air out of your lungs. Find a nice rythym & relax! Your legs will thank you! Our circulation away from the heart isn’t what it used to be & we need to find ways to help the heart, mind & soul! This is easy, but not so easy to keep life at bay for a few minutes a day! Enjoy!

The Vacation, Holiday, Staycation

   The vacation, holiday, staycation… All bring a smile to the face. Face it, we need to recharge our batteries on a regular basis. Typically, the way to do that best is a weeklong vacation. If you are travelling abroad, you are going on holiday. If you are staying stateside, it’s a vacation. And now, the staycation is growing in popularity to offset some cost. Regardless of your plans, the vacation is a must to preserve sanity among the masses!

    Below is a link to a wonderful packing checklist that you can print. It covers just about everything you may need. Barnes & Noble also carries a pad of checklists for the frequent traveler. Just remember, if you forget something, don’t panic. In most cases you can find anything you forgot at your destination.

http://www.travelsmith.com/TravelSmith/US/TravelCenter/guide-packing-checklist/landing-path

   So now that the packing panic is averted, you can focus on a little bit of research about your destination. Ask around for starters. This is tried & true great advice and very handy for places like Disney, Europe, etc. Check a AAA travel site for your destination. They offer all kinds of info. When travelling in the US, every state as you enter from major highways has a welcome vacation bureau that’s filled with brochures and helpful people. Here on the EC (East Coast) beaches, sometimes all you need is a towel, chair & a great book!

     The staycation is the vacation you take but stay at home. In order for this NOT to turn into a work around the house for seven days type of vacation, here’s some advice. At least for a few days, come into your home as if it were a vacation destination. Admire the furnishings & outdoor space. This is a Simple Abundance  way to view your living space. If you don’t like what you see, take a day to declutter first. Look at your local town or closest city with new eyes. Do something close by that you’ve been meaning to check out & haven’t had the time. Visit a new restaurant that you’ve been meaning to try. Pack the fridge with some wonderful breakfast items. Just put the blinders on so you don’t work your week away!

    Whatever you choose to do this year, just find time to relax and enjoy some quiet time even if it is in your own backyard!