Entering the last week of January, we are now well away from the holiday period and back to our daily schedules, that feel heavier and heavier. February for me is always one of the most difficult months. It feels very busy after the Christmas laziness and the usually gloomy and cold weather doesn’t help to lift my mood, while my stress levels are often too high. After a busy working day it’s vital to learn how to wind down, relax and leave that stressful energy out of the door. It doesn’t matter if your job includes sitting on a desk or running around, by the end of the day it would have taken a toll on your body and mind and it’s up to you to help yourself ‘unwind’, re- charge and spend some quality time with yourself. Creating a calm and relaxing energy when you are back home from work, will not only help you become more relaxed, but also more productive and creative the day after.
Drink a hot cup of herbal tea.
Avoid anything with caffeine, like green or black tea, but brew yourself a nice cup of calming and soothing herbs, like chamomile or valerian or a rooibos tea. Hold the cup with both hands and enjoy the warming effect as you’re sipping. Try to make drinking tea a ceremony.
Stretch and breath.
If you spend the whole day sitting in an office, carrying heavy stuff or even staying on your feet too long, give your body the treatment it needs. Opt for a short yoga sequence that will stretch and unblock your muscles softly and refresh your body.
Technology off- creativity on.
I know its hard (especially for me is too hard) but set a time when you will shut down your laptop, put your phone in airplane mode and hide away your tablet. If you want your mind to rest properly stay away from the light of a screen, which keeps it awake. instead, grab your coloring book, read or write down your thoughts, you will find yourself going to bed earlier and sleeping faster.
Stay Warm.
Keep your hands and feet warm and stay cozy. If you are cold your body tends to be more tense and that’s not the most relaxing feeling on earth. Take a nice hot shower to bring some warmth to your body or, if you prefer showering in the morning, go for a foot soak. Put on a sweater and your favorite woolen socks and enjoy your night.
