It's getting close to my birthday and a time to pause to reflect on another great year on the planet! In addition, it's a time to pat myself on the back for all that I accomplished, enjoyed and learned.
In thinking about simple ways to reenergize, I found an insight in Advent Health, "When we take time out of our busy days to focus inward - whether that's connecting with our spirituality, spending time with loved ones or just carving time out to enjoy a favorite activity - we feel less stressed, our immune systems get a little boost and we can sleep better at night." *
Try This: Try a Little Pampering
To reflect on taking care of oneself, it has not been top-of-mind to pamper myself. So, there were several good ideas in the same article to enjoy this week:
- Make Relaxation a Priority - Meditate in a quiet room, read a book, or listen to some relaxing music while you unwind.
- Enjoy a Good Soak - A relaxing soak can restore and prepare you for a better night’s sleep. Use favorite bath oils, scented candles, and play soft music.
- Practice Gratitude - Take a few moments to breathe deeply and meditate on some things for which you are grateful. If it helps, you can use a gratitude journal to jot them down.
While there are several more ideas in the article, the concept of giving myself a moment of pampering is new and really piqued my curiosity to see how it can lead to happiness, less stress and optimism.
* https://www.adventhealth.com/blog/9-ways-pamper-your-body-mind-and-spirit