Have you ever come home from a tough workday feeling drained of energy? Finding a way to unwind and release your anxieties can be difficult. But stress doesn't have to be a bad thing, says psychotherapist Christine Soligo. "It's how you handle it."
Recharging your batteries after an exhausting day, week or even month can be both productive and creative. Whether it's taking a brisk walk home from work or rediscovering the pleasure of colouring books, personal boosters take many shapes. But it all starts with being good to yourself.
Daily boosts
Just breathe
• Take a few deep breaths to calm down. "When you're stressed you tend to breathe really shallowly," Soligo says.
• "Take a five-minute break just to do nothing. A lot of us feel we don't have the time, but really, it's just five minutes."
• Try soothing music, candles, a hot bath, aromatherapy.
Find comfort in the kitchen
• Indulge in your favourite comfort food. A spoonful of peanut butter is a must for OPP Senior Const. Deb Belisle before she can answer the dreaded "what's for dinner?" question. Elementary school principal Brenda Bridle gets cosy with a bowl of popcorn and a Diet Pepsi during Prime Time.
• Bake. Whether it's eating the fruits of their labour, or simply the creative process, many women say they find solace with their spatulas.
Take a "play" break
• "Make silly faces in the mirror, take a deep breath and make some funny sounds," Soligo says.
• Call a friend who tickles your funny bone.
Complain
• "If you can follow complaining for 10 minutes with being grateful for five minutes, sometimes it can switch around," Soligo says. Even if you begin with being grateful for how angry you feel, you'll soon tire of complaining to yourself.
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