Finishing up final edits for my new book Dark Mind from my Emily Stone Series and balancing everyday activities has made life a little stressful.  I’ve found, more than ever, how important it is to take a break during my day or a short timeout to just relax without any interruptions.  It helps to keep your spirits high and your mind clear from unnecessary things. 

We are bombarded with too many negative things each day, but we can change that!    

There are many things that can help to ease stress and keep a positive attitude – almost all of these wonderful things are free!

Here’s my Ten Most Wanted Timeouts:

1.      Take a walk.  Just take a leisurely walk around through your neighborhood and take notice of all the wonderful things you see.

2.      Breathe.  This seems like a no brainer, but thinking about how important it is to breathe deeply and slowly can immediately calm you and lift your spirits.  We don’t’ realize that many times we’re breathing shallow.  Take some long, cleansing breathes and count them silently to yourself.  Ahhhhh….

3.      Sit quietly by yourself (in your favorite place) and try not to think of anything.  Even if this is just for ten minutes, it can be very beneficial.  Everything will get done, it always does.  Take this time to relax and reenergize.

4.      Catch a quick nap.  By just giving yourself 15 minutes to nap, you’d be amazed how refreshed and better you will feel to tackle everything you need to do in your day.      

5.      Surround yourself with soothing scents.  Lavender, vanilla, and citrus can be very calming such as with candles or body lotions.

6.      Laughter.  I can’t stress this enough.  Laughter is a great stress reliever and it is truly the best medicine against anything.  Crack yourself up or call a friend who always makes you laugh.

7.      Flowers.  Cut some flowers from your garden or buy a bunch from the grocery store.  Cut flowers are cheerful and can lift your spirits.

8.      Write in a journal.  Don’t focus on writing about anything in particular, just let it free flow.  Write out your thoughts and much of your tension will begin to release.

9.      Get a massage.  Treat yourself to a massage if you haven’t had one in a while.  It’s good to have a little bit of self-indulgence once in a while.

10.  Count your blessings.  Write down the ten things you’re the most thankful for and by changing your perspective you’ll begin to feel stress leaving your body.

Most of all, enjoy your day everyday!

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Blog: www.authorjenniferchase.com/
Website: www.jenniferchase.vpweb.com/
Crime Watch Blog: www.emilystonecrimewatch.wordpress.com/
Book & Crime Talk: www.blogtalkradio.com/jennifer-chase/
Books: Compulsion = Dead Game = Silent Partner = Screenwriting