Archive for the ‘Tips’ Category

– Article by Whitney Jones.

Lunch can make or break a day once noon hits. A healthy lunch in a relaxing atmosphere can create a positive chain reaction throughout the rest of your day. You can take the time to rebound from any morning stress and recharge to get ready for the rest of the afternoon.

Don’t eat at your desk. Lunch should be your time to get away from the office. The location you choose is almost as important as what you eat or what you bring. Find an out of the way place where there aren’t large groups of people. A courtyard bench or a small café is preferable to a break room, but even that is better than eating at your desk.

Many workers choose to eat alone because they spend so much time during the day with other people. Eating alone gives you a chance to reflect on your day and decide how you can improve on it. The quiet time will also help you relax and focus after hours of being “on it” for work.

If you have a longer lunch hour, consider stopping by a yoga studio to refocus and get rid of tension in your muscles built up from work stresses and sitting in uncomfortable office chairs. Those who don’t have a long lunch or can’t access a studio should consider doing some quick stretching in a secluded area. Even reaching and stretching your arms above your head can get blood flowing.

Likewise, a short walk can stimulate your mind and help you re-center. If you go out for lunch, park in one of the back spaces so you can get a bit of exercise in before going back to the grind. Few things are more relaxing than a small stroll and a pleasant meal.

Whether you pack lunch or eat out, limit the amount of caffeine you consume. Caffeine makes it impossible for the body to relax and though it increases alertness, too much of it will make it difficult to focus. Energy drinks are out of the question, but a single soda or cup of coffee is acceptable.

Foods that are too high in fat will make you sluggish, but nibbling on a carrot stick will also make your mind slower and unfocused. Strike a good balance of filling foods that aren’t too greasy and don’t contain too much sugar, and you’ll be able to focus and relax the rest of your day.

Take a cell phone to check the time, but resist the urge to check e-mail with a smartphone during your time away from the office. Some people choose to bring a computer to catch up on work or do some online training, but after stressful mornings, it’s better to recharge for the rest of your day.

After a relaxing lunch, you should be well-fed, focused and ready for the afternoon ahead. Though it’s tempting to work through lunch, realize that relaxing during lunch will increase your overall productivity and make for a much more pleasant afternoon.

Parenthood is awesome. Parenthood is stressful. Parenthood makes me laugh till I cry and weep with joy. And it can also leave me standing in the middle of the kitchen weeping from sheer exhaustion. From the outside looking in, these kids are innocent and cute and cuddly. And all of that’s true. But day in and day out, they fight and they scream and they always. need. something. They always need you.

And yes, you can take the occasional day off. You might even squeeze in a weekend away, but is that enough? Most definitely, no. Parents need a reprieve in the heat of the battle. We don’t necessarily want to run away from our children (okay, maybe sometimes we do); we just want to survive the day without weeping.

Here are five ways that I’ve learned to relax while caring for my children.

#1. Nap. It seems so simple, but parents just don’t do it. We’re so driven to “get stuff done” when the kids are asleep. Yes, it’s true, naptime is the golden hour to get stuff done, but this doesn’t mean we have to use it every day. Once in a while, lie down with your children (or in a different room) and take an honest to goodness nap. My oldest thinks herself “too old for naps,” and really doesn’t take them anymore. But still, every once in a while, I tell her, “Mama needs to rest today, so you don’t have to take a nap, but we are going to rest.” I tell her she doesn’t have to sleep, but she has to be quiet and rest, because rest is important. And she does it. She often looks at a book, but she stays horizontal and she’s quiet. If you’re worried about escapees, utilize childproof doorknobs and toddler gates. Even if you don’t actually fall asleep, you will at least get a moment to relax. The laundry can wait. Really, it can.

#2. Amoratherapy. I diffuse essential oils in my home nearly every day. If I’m feeling tense or anxious, I diffuse lavender oil. If I can’t keep my eyes open, I use lemongrass oil to perk myself up. I tell you the truth – it really helps! And my kids love it too! Be sure to use real essential oils and not synthetic fragrance oils. And if you don’t have a diffuser, just wear a little oil like a perfume.

#3. Walk. It might sound counterintuitive, but it really works. Take a nice long walk and it will relax you and your kids. And if you tire out your kids, it will make an easier day for you! If it’s cold out, bundle everyone up and make it a (short) adventure. Fresh air and getting your body moving will definitely help you unwind.

#4. Classical music. My kids complained at first because they wanted “cool music,” but after a few days, they started to like it. At first, I was reluctant to play music in the house, as I didn’t want anything to add to the constant noise, but classical was different. It didn’t feel like noise – it felt like a layer of serenity.

#5. Yoga. Your kids can do yoga! They even make kids’ yoga videos if you need some guidance. (Or just look it up on YouTube.) It won’t be the same as a true adult yoga class, as your kids will still be giggling and making comments, but it will be yogic enough to provide you with some of the many benefits of yoga, including de-stressing!

Author Bio

This article was created by the team at www.babysignlanguage.com the most complete resource to help you explore sign language for babies.

Unfortunately, relaxing in your backyard might take a little preparation. As spring approaches, it’s time to think about landscaping and creating an easily-accessible paradise of your own.

Water creates an instantly soothing atmosphere. A small fountain will let you hear the relaxing sound of trickling water and is a beautiful addition to any space. Maximize the effect by making it a focal point in your yard. Set aside a larger space than you’ll need for just the fountain, and add flowers around it. Try using a single color of blooms to create a more cohesive, and thus tranquil, look.

The scent of lavender and lilacs soothe the senses, while green Bells of Ireland provide a calming green landscape. Choose your flowers based on your strongest senses. If you have a great sense of smell, choose flowers with relaxing scents. If you’re visual, go with green or blue flowers to make the most out of your vista.

To get even more out of the serene properties of water, consider adding a pool to your yard. Keep the area neatly organized, but don’t be afraid to buy a floating chair or two. Organization brings instant peace of mind, so keep any pool accessories into an outdoor storage chest, neatly tucked out of sight.

The same should apply to all gardening tools. Keeping your outdoor space organized will allow you to breathe easily and comfortably in your newly repurposed yard.

When it comes to patio furniture, choose a color that will mesh with the colors already in your yard. You don’t want to put black furniture onto a bright white patio. Consider a neutral wood color that will become part of the scenery instead of a focal point. For a great way to be outside without burning in the sun, add a canopy to your deck.

Hammocks are beloved by many, but others find them to be too difficult to keep their balance in. Try one at a hardware store before you commit to buying one. If you’re in constant fear of falling, you’re not going to be able to relax. Try a chaise lounge or a papasan chair that you would feel comfortable curling up in instead.

When you stand at your backdoor and look out onto your yard, you should see one area seamlessly blending into the next. Avoid using harsh colors anywhere in your yard. A bright pink gazing ball might seem like a great addition, but if you haven’t used pink anywhere else, it’s likely to become the first thing you see in your yard. Your water feature will be a more relaxing focal point, but feel free to add any décor touches you feel are appropriate for your environment.