Relaxation

[Guest guest]

We can all relate to that feeling after a long gruelling day at work. Having made it through the madness of the rush hour commute, we get home, exhaustion seeping out of our bones, minds too numb to contemplate doing anything. But all it takes to have an enjoyable evening is some quick snap-out-of-it revival techniques.

First of all, realize that your evening is precious. After hours of work, you finally have the time to devote to yourself. You want to make the most of this time. You want to be alive and energetic to truly enjoy it.

Step one. Revival.

It is important to make the mental effort to leave work behind. Is your mind still fixed on some work-related problem? Stop right there. There will be plenty of time for your subconscious to mull it over later, and possibly come up with a creative solution. For now, you have to make the mental break with work. You are now in your own time. A different world. Work does not exist. This is your life and all that matters at this moment are the things that are going to add to your personal well-being. That realisation should already start to make a difference to your attitude to the hours that lie ahead.

Step two. Water therapy.

In a rush to get somewhere? Feet sore and burning from having pounded urban pavements all day long? Some quick therapy is needed, and never was anything as useful and reviving as simple H2O. If you’re in a hurry to get somewhere on a hot summer’s evening, try splashing your face with water. Immersing wrists under a cool running faucet can also work wonders.

Shower Power

If you have more time, nothing beats a shower for its quick reviving properties. A possible treat to include in your shower: (hey – you might as well do this properly) a quick rub over your body with a loofah or bath brush – massaging yourself in circular motion, starting with your feet and working your way up. This is a tremendous boost for circulation and is guaranteed to work wonders. On emerging from your shower, you may also want to envelop yourself in cooling sage and mint oil. It feels tingly all over – you replenish lost moisture – and you feel amazing. Raring to go in under five minutes. You won’t believe it until you’ve tried it.

The pleasure of bubbles

On a warmer wintery evening, nothing beats the sheer pampering quality of a bubble bath. Go all out. Dim the lights, light candles, put on some quiet music, pour some scented oil into the bath – maybe try an aromatherapy oil like lavender which is known for its relaxing properties, lie back, immersed in bubbles and enjoy.

Other treats There are a hundred and thirty seven other things that you could do, all for the purpose of reviving yourself. On the way to work perhaps construct a mental list of all your favourite reviving activities, and aim to do at least some over the course of the week. Whether it is making yourself a drink, and relaxing into an armchair with a good book, or getting out and doing some gardening (I find watering plants and being surrounded by green incredibly reviving), make sure you give yourself the time to do it.

Turn chores into treats

Make an event out of any of the ‘must do’ items that will fill up your evening. This will help remove the stress from your evening. Must cook dinner? Indulge in your passion for the gourmet. Plan ahead. Surf the net for exotic food ideas. Collect ingredients on the way home. Cook with passion. Can’t be bothered? Order take-out and enjoy it to the max.

Have more after-work chores to do? Try to break them down into manageable bite-sizes. Also try to get them out of the way before you settle down to enjoy the evening. Otherwise you might procrastinate. You might end up never doing the chore, but your evening would be far from relaxed because of the guilt weighing on your mind. Got a lot of ironing to do? Tell yourself you will do fifteen minutes every day after work. Tops. Then leave the chores and start enjoying yourself.

Physical Revival

A little bit of exercise works wonders. The breathing involved in pilates for example (just gentle stretching and a whole lot of breathing) can wake anyone up. Try yoga. Try meditation. Give yourself those few precious minutes to unwind. Read something you always turn to for inspiration. Give yourself a quick five minute self massage. Maybe even go for a run in the park. Exercise is a great for perking yourself up.

Final words of wisdom.

Just breathe easy, relax and enjoy it. Do something spontaneous, something fun. Do anything to break out of the rut of post-work fatigue and wasted evenings. Just do it.

Suzi

What is a weed? A plant whose virtues have not yet been discovered.

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