I was asked recently about the things I do that are “restorative.” There are many different things I weave into my days that restore and replenish me. Just taking the time to answer her question gave me pause and was restoring!
We often go about our days hurried, stressed, meeting one appointment, deadline, or task after the next. Some days are out of our control, but some days, we create or add to our own stress by overcommitting, multitasking, and not carving out time for ourselves. Here are some suggestions to restore and replenish, reduce stress, and cultivate self-love:
Wake up before anyone else in your home for some alone time
Enjoy your morning coffee, savor the flavor, and without distractions
Pause for a little quiet time without TV or music, perhaps with a book or a puzzle
Get on your yoga mat for some yoga, of course
Listen to your favorite music playlist
Schedule a date with a friend or friends
Stop multitasking and instead, focus on doing one thing at a time
Call a friend or send someone a note; make someone else’s day
Meditate, even if only 5 minutes
Take a 20 minute nap
Take a walk
Enjoy a restorative waterfall pose
Take a few minutes to pause and do some belly breathing or box breathing
Cook or bake something, play some Jack Johnson and dance around the kitchen
Write/journal, sketch, paint, read
Start a jigsaw puzzle
Download the New York Time Puzzles App and exercise your brain (I’m hooked on Wordle, the Mini Crossword, Spelling Bee and Connections, and occasionally do Pips and Strands)
Retail therapy (yes, a little shopping can be restorative)
Take an evening bath, soak with Epsom salt and essential oils
Go to bed early