We all need some time to slow down, unplug and unwind. Feeling frazzled due to stressful jobs and relationships is, unfortunately, a fated part of life. It is simply important to make time and space for yourself when you are neck deep in household chores, demanding children and collecting your dog’s poop. So what is your favorite pick-me-up? Here is a list of my top five ways to feel refreshed and renewed.
What’s your Pick-Me-Up?
a. Pamper Yourself
Light some candles, turn off the lights and take a hot shower. Pop on a face mask, pour yourself a glass of wine and play some music. These are the cues for my husband and he knows that I should better be left alone.
Meanwhile, if you can get to a spa or have a good massage, then nothing like it.
This is also a time when I take some extra care to treat my hair and nails. I wish I could roll out of my bed and look like Shakira. But in a not-so-ideal world like mine, one needs to take care of her hair with massages and masks. And if I’m too bored, I go for a haircut and convince myself that I look like a million bucks.
I hate growing my nails. But when I am in the mood to pamper myself, I do a manicure and pedicure at home and come out with neon nails. Oh, how my husband gets repulsed by it! But do I really care?
b. Spring Cleaning
Taking out old storage boxes, wiping, mopping, dusting and rearranging the furniture is amazingly liberating! I go about changing the look of the room, hang some new photographs and bring in fresh greens. Placing some fresh flowers in the vase will instantly rejuvenate your mind.
c. Take out the Planner
Now that I feel much better, I take out my planner, grab some funky stationery, sit on the swing, sip a cup of coffee and take a look at my life and its goals. I scribble down what went wrong, reflect and reset the goals as necessary. Writing things down makes me accountable. I do not like red marks on my planner and hence strive my best to meet deadlines. Blame it on the mild OCD traits I have.
d. Cuddle with your Dog
One of life’s simple pleasures is cuddling dogs. Muffykins is my cuddle buddy and I know for a fact, that he hates cuddles. But the warmth of his fur and a lick here and there instantly takes away all my worries.
e. Do Something New
A new language? DIY. Read. Take a walk. Observe. Write. Travel alone. Be a tourist in your own city. Visit the nearest cafe. Dance. Sing. Call a friend. Text ‘him’. Invite friends over for a BBQ. Go to a spa with your girlfriends. Come out of your comfort zone. There is a whole world with new possibilities. Just Do It.
But if I’m too sad and blue, I stick to my bed all day and read a book.
That’s it. These are things I do to make me want to conquer my day with renewed energy! How about you? Let me know in the comment section.
This post was written in response to the Idea Prompt.
Friday Reflections is a link up hosted by Corinne at Everyday Gyaan and yours truly. We invite you to join us every Friday to share a good cup of tea and your reflections based on the prompts we provide.
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Prompts for 08 June 2018 – choose any one:
- Write about something that makes you feel refreshed and renewed.
- Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around. – Leo Buscaglia
- Picture prompt (Image credit: Corinne Rodrigues)
C and D make my list… I really want to pamper myself but somehow just never find the time or honestly motivation for it… as for learning something new. that is something I should consider
Reading this post gave me an instant pick me up.. Muffy is looking cuter day by day. He is giving you serious competition. I think I should indulge in some hard-core me-time now.
Awww shalu… You look so pretty in all these clicks… energised and refreshed.. And by the way, when did you both click a pic without me ???? not fair not fair ;)))
My favourite pick ups too! BTW most of the books in your book shelves have blue spines. Are you really blue ?
Pets are a definite pick me up…you can’t not feel happy! 🙂 For me, the beach or exercise is another pick me up in addition to reading and writing and socialising.
Nice list of pick-me-ups an Muffykins is so sweet. Some of my pick-me-ups are art and craft.
These are some instant pick-me-up tips, Shalini. I have experienced a shift in my mood when I clean up or wash those piling up dishes. Reading, writing on my journal, trying out some artworks, sipping hot ginger tea, watching FRIENDS, going for a walk, practicing yoga, ditching my kids and locking myself in the bathroom, etc are a few of mine. How cute is Muffy!
my pet & dancing are my instant pick me up ❤
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I thought this post would say – Muffy, Muffy, Muffy, Muffy, Muffy 😀
For me, it surely is some lone time. I need some time out from everyone and just focus on myself. During this time I also read, do my nails or just listen to music. It is peace 🙂
Love love this post and you! ♥
I can say ditto to most things on your list, as long as we swap out muffy for my little D. 🙂