Stop and Smell the Roses

Nowadays, everyone is rushing from here to there, cell phones permanently attached to their hands, laptops and tablets not too far away, and everyone working and struggling to make the almighty dollar stretch as far as it can or in some cases, will go.

We've all been there; work is a dog barking in your ear 24/7 and the stress of schedules, families, appointments, and making your paycheck last is enough to find yourself in the loony bin at the local medical center. At some point you find yourself on auto-pilot and doing things out of routine and not out of passion or drive. You often find yourself zoning out and unable to keep up with the pace you were once in-step with. This is a condition one would like to call, "burn out." where your world has gone insane, (not that it's much of a change from the real world to begin with), and you're just trying to keep two things on your to do list: "don't jump."

For those of you reading this, I'm no doctor and I'm certainly no miracle-worker, but I have just a few tips to help you when it comes to burn out as I have been there a few times myself and like so many other out there, I've forgotten to stop and smell the roses... literally and figuratively.

1) Take a warm bath.

Soak the stress away...

Depending on whether or not you're a "bath person" or a "shower person," this is something to enjoy. Some people are either or, I myself am one such individual. However, when I take a warm bath, I make sure I am fully equipped with oils, candles, and sometimes, a glass of my favorite red. Personally, I find rose hip and lavender oils to be especially soothing after a long day and adding a mildly scented bath bomb isn't something to scoff at. Nothing aids in such a relaxing session quite like some music, whatever is your preference, to have nearby. Linked below is a playlist I've put together for my own soak sessions.

2) Start a reading list.

Believe it or not, people still pick up a real book and crack it open to read the contents of its pages. I myself hope to never own an iPad or tablet but to have an entire wall dedicated to dust-riddled books. Reading is a good way to forget the world we live in and to be able to dive headfirst into a story that can transport us to another world where we can rejuvenate our creativity and expand our craniums is a luxury we rarely have to pay for.

3) Re-Connect with nature.

Summertime is upon us. and what better way than to actually get back out there and book a little weekend getaway or just a casual bike ride through the streets of your town? According to the Healthline, exposure to sunlight is known to release the hormone serotonin in your brain which can have mood-boosting abilities that can calm and help us to focus. Without enough exposure to sunlight, our serotonin levels can dip thus causing depression, especially during changing seasons.

For those of you with a dog, a cat... or even a rabbit, (Yes, bunny-walking exists!), take advantage of the time you would otherwise spend stressing or overthinking about your job, your family or your life as a whole and get that furry rear in gear for some quiet time on a sidewalk or a hiking trail. Plug in your iPod or just enjoy the sounds of nature with your furry friend.

**Summer means its hotter so make sure to keep you and your four-legged pal hydrated and without a sweater or coat!**

4) Make a date with yourself.

Once in a while, we need a little pampering, whether its just curling up with a good book, splurging on takeout and a movie night, or going to a salon for a little TLC from your hairdresser. Whatever it is, take a day to spend a little money on yourself and a little time doing something you love.

5) Take a deep breath.

Literally.

Right now.

Take one long, deep breath that fills your lungs and every aching, sore part of your overworked mind and body and just let it all out. Light a candle, put on some soothing sounds, and take a seat on your living room floor, your bed, a chair, or even in your car after you've pulled into the driveway. Close your eyes. and breathe, remember that life is not as hard as we think. It just takes adjustment and patience.

After reading this, I hope you have a better idea as to what you can do to relieve the reality of everyday life and the effect of burning out. Life is busy enough without taking care of ourselves and not doing so not only affects work performance and relationships with family and friends but your overall health as well.

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