For the 4th installment of the Beautiful
Change Challenge, I was tasked with sharing what I do to relax spiritually and
mentally. Well, this is definitely a ‘challenge,’ because lately, I don’t have
a whole lot of time where I can do this! I know this is the case for a lot of
folks, whether it’s kids or work or both, it’s hard to ‘check out’ of daily
life and find your ‘happy place.’
As much as I’d like to tell you that you can always
make time for yourself, I know first hand, its hard, and sometimes you can’t.
But…you can make the time where you are busy, more enjoyable, and more
relaxing. Here are some ways I like to fit in things that relax me, while I’m
at work or on the go…
While at work...
Find a music download site where you can listen to
new music and make playlists (make sure it’s a legal one!). iTunes works, but
sometimes its fun to listen to new music, and not the tunes you hear every day.
Make yourself a play list for your different moods,
plug in your headphones, and listen to the tunes while you work. I know this
isn’t feasible for everyone, but its something I do to relax myself when things
get stressful at work.
While traveling..
I travel a lot for work. It’s tiring and I miss my
family while I’m away, but there are little things I do while on the road that
help me relax and even look forward to a plane ride.
I treat myself to Starbucks while waiting for my
flight. I don’t like to drink too many sugary Starbucks drinks, but while
traveling, I treat myself to a Chai tea latte or nonfat Vanilla Café Latte
while I’m waiting at my gate for my flight. Only treating myself while
traveling makes me dread not heading to the airport that much because I know a
Starbucks Cafe Latte with a shot of soy and sugar free Hazelnut is waiting for
me.
Watching movies while on flights is also a good way
to get ‘me time.’ There are some movies I know I can’t pay my husband to watch
with me, so when I’m on a plane, that is when I get my chick flick time in!
Also, don’t forget your favorite magazine or book!
While driving…
Books on tape! Dying to read the latest 50 Shades
of Grey? Get it on audiotapes to listen to during your commute. You’ll probably
look forward to being stuck in traffic!
If you can do something similar to my ‘escapes’
each day, even for 10 minutes, to get your mind off your daily stresses, it
will probably lead to you being more productive for the rest of the day.
New AVEENO® PURE RENEWAL™ lets you renew
your hair to its naturally balanced state daily. Unlike ordinary shampoos, these sulphate-free
formulas have Balancing Seaweed Extract; bringing hair back to its naturally healthy,
most balanced state with each wash, for beautifully healthy-looking hair. Learn
more here http://bit.ly/A1cjWg
Disclosure:
Compensation was provided by AVEENO® via Glam Media.
The opinions expressed herein are those of the author and are not
indicative of the opinions or positions of AVEENO®”
There are so many opportunities
for everyone to give back in their community, but unless you seek them out, you
may not find out about them. My husband and I participated in the Big Brother’s
Big Sisters program and it was a wonderful experience. Not only did we learn a
lot from the experience, but I’m hoping the young boy we mentored did too. I’ve
also been a volunteer camp counselor in the past at a Crohn’s & Colitis
Foundation of America camp. I’ve had Crohn’s/colitis for almost 18 years now,
so this was a volunteer opportunity that was near and dear to my heart (see picture: camp photo collage). I
encourage you to find an opportunity that you are passionate about, and you
will no doubt give it your all. 
This happened to me. Last year, February 2011, I came
across a local gym that offered kettlebell training and decided to check it
out. So I show up to this class, by myself, not knowing anyone, and I fall in
LOVE. It’s been over a year now that I’ve been going to kettlebell classes (for
those of you in Michigan, it’s Fast Fitness Kettlebell) and I’m training for
my first kettlebell competition in May! Not only that, but my husband goes to class with me on the weekends, and we've met some really cool people!
New AVEENO® PURE RENEWAL™ lets you renew
your hair to its naturally balanced state daily. Unlike ordinary shampoos, these sulphate-free
formulas have Balancing Seaweed Extract; bringing hair back to its naturally healthy,
most balanced state with each wash, for beautifully healthy-looking hair. Learn
more here http://bit.ly/A1cjWg
Who needs some sun? The safe way, that is! I'm giving away a Cargo Multi-mix Bronzer.
I travel a lot for work. It’s tiring and I miss my
family while I’m away, but there are little things I do while on the road that
help me relax and even look forward to a plane ride. 
It’s getting warmer out and it’s officially Spring…yay! It’s
the time of year for the ‘grand switch.’ This is what I call swapping out Winter
clothes and Summer clothes in our drawers and closets. I have a few huge
Tupperware containers that I keep all of our off season clothes in, and when the
seasons change we swap out what’s in our closets for what was in storage. I
store the containers in my basement until the next season.
New AVEENO® PURE RENEWAL™ lets you renew
your hair to its naturally balanced state daily. Unlike ordinary shampoos, these sulphate-free
formulas have Balancing Seaweed Extract; bringing hair back to its naturally healthy,
most balanced state with each wash, for beautifully healthy-looking hair. Learn
more here http://bit.ly/A1cjWg