Finding Peace and Relaxation Every Day

I don't know anyone that isn't stressed out these days. The economy alone is reason enough for most of us to feel a little wired. People all over the world seem to be completely stressed out. Stress is individual though. Every person I know has one reason or another to worry or fret. Considering all the negative effects that stress has on us, it's important to find ways to release stress and calm nerves. There's so many ways a person can find peace of mind and relaxation. Here are a few ways I rid myself of stress each day.

One minute every morning:
It's so easy to jump right out of bed every morning , run to the kitchen and start the coffee. It's a basic routine for so many of us. Each day I start my morning out with one minute of reflection. I basically count my blessings. I think about all the things I'm thankful for and I don't allow myself to entertain any thoughts of things I need to do or the days chores ahead. For that one minute each morning I allow myself to be thankful for the gift of life. I find myself smiling as I step out of bed after realizing how lucky I am that my son is home and safe in his own bed. Even my breathing seems steady and easier when my day starts out with the thought that I'd marry my husband all over again and I'm thankful for every day I've had with him. I seem to deal much better now with the things that do stress me. That one minute each morning has added up to much more to me each day.

A break every afternoon:
The title of your job or the duties you perform every day have very little to do with whether or not you need a break each day. Everyone needs and deserves a break in their day to unwind. So many people have very short lunches and end up working right through them. A break to take care of oneself could actually make a person able to perform more efficiently through the rest of the day. I put aside at least fifteen minutes every afternoon for myself. The first thing I do is turn off my phone and wash my hands and face. I take a look in the mirror and smile at myself. Then I'm off to a very comfortable chair where I lay my head back and close my eyes . I don't allow myself to think about the days events. Instead, I take a moment to picture each person I love dearly in my mind. This act alone usually brings a smile to my face. I think about what I love most about each person. It's amazing how quickly this relaxes me. Next I think about my favorite place in the world. For me , it's a little cabin up in Minnesota on a tiny strip of land between two lakes. I think of the smell of the air and the water. I can almost taste it. This small act of giving myself a few minutes to think about and visualize the people and things I love, works wonders . I'm able to get up and go about the rest of my day with renewed energy and a fresh clear mind.

Evenings are for love:
I've been married to one man for twenty eight years now. I married him just after turning sixteen. So, I take love very seriously and find it extremely important to nurture that love. This is the most pleasurable way I find relaxation out of all the ways I try. Each night after dinner I run a bath and pamper myself by soaking and getting all girly. I fluff pillows on my sofa and then cuddle with my husband. I avoid a lot of talk and focus instead on loving my man. I look at him and think about all the reasons I adore him. I hold his hand or lay in his arms and kiss him and hug him and realize that I love every hair on his head. It's beautiful to renew your love for someone in your own mind each day and it's also very relaxing. It benefits us both and we both seem to be sleeping sound. It really doesn't matter if you're not married or don't have a person you're in love with . You could easily get a pet and still achieve the same effect. Just set aside some time each evening to love and pet your dog or cat. Showing affection to a person or pet is a wonderful way to rid yourself of unwanted stress every evening.

All these things have worked for me and have made me a much more confident and calm person. These are my own ideas and I do believe they would work for anyone that puts their heart into it. The key is time for oneself. It's all too easy to get wrapped up in doing what you think is right for everyone you love and care for. Taking care of yourself and finding peace within yourself each day will only help you be more effective in helping others. You need to be your own best friend and take care of yourself. Don't let yourself worry too much over things you can't control. Find ways to control things that you can. Most of all love yourself. Love the person you are and the life you're leading. You're so worth it!