Have you ever felt like you “need a break”? Or that you’re mentally overwhelmed/drained? And you don’t know what you can do to take some time for yourself? We’ve all been there! And sometimes you just need to take your mind off things to recharge and start over. I decided to list my “Top 5 go-tos” that help me when I feel like I need to stop, take a break, and recharge.
- Warm bath with a relaxing bath bomb.
This is my favorite thing to do when I feel that I have too much on my mind and I need to take a break. I serve myself a cup of tea (or your favorite drink), add any aromatherapy infused bath bomb, light up a candle, read a book (not related to school) I turn on my favorite relaxing playlist (link below) and take my mind off everything for the next 30 minutes.
“Cabin Music”playlist
2. Going on a walk.
Studies have shown that vitamin D plays a role in our moods and the best way to get that vitamin D is through the sun! So, just go for a walk outside. This can be in your neighborhood or by a trail within nature. Personally, if it’s a beautiful day I try to take advantage of it and go to a park where I can also bring my dog. I put headphones on, set a timer of 20-30 minutes, and listen to my favorite playlist {below) to get you up and motivated. After a couple of minutes outside you will feel calmer and energized.
“Powerwalk!” playlist
3. Yoga.
Practicing yoga cannot only be beneficial to your health, it is also beneficial for your mental health. By including breath control, simple meditation, and the adoption of specific bodily postures, yoga is widely practiced for health and relaxation. My favorite (and recently introduced) is “Yoga with Adriene” on Youtube (link below). Not only does her beautiful dog keeps her company during the videos, but she also has a video for everything that you can imagine and ranges all the way from 9 minutes to 40 minutes. Once you’re done, you will feel like a whole new person!
Her “Office Break Yoga” is short and good.
TIP! If you like to be outside just grab a towel and your cellphone and enjoy a good relaxing workout outdoors.
4. Cooking.
There’s something about cooking and enjoying THAT meal you just made for yourself that makes it 10x better. In a study published in the British Journal of Occupational Therapy in 2004, researchers in the U.K. found that baking classes boosted confidence, increased concentration, and provided a sense of achievement.
Cooking your favorite meal (and making a little extra for the next day) while you dance/sing to your favorite songs is the perfect combination. Don’t know what to make? Try your favorite meal from home; that family recipe that you can’t get anywhere else or bake your favorite dessert to share later with friends.
“00s HITS” Is one of my favorite playlists to dance to.
5. Find a hobby.
You don’t have to be good at it, just anything that you enjoy doing in your own time. Example: I bought a ukulele a couple of years ago (and I might need to clarify that I’ve never played this in my life) and every chance I get I try to play for a little and although I’m not great at it, the improvement is noticeable and makes it very rewarding.
I also recommend inviting friends over for a painting date night. You can even make themed! Just get some supplies from your local store, some drinks of preference with some good music and I promise you that it will be a lot of fun.
“Life Is Good” is my go-to to unwind when I paint, draw, drive, or doing anything creative.
These are only a couple of things that you can start to do whenever you need a mental break, but it is not limited to the infinite possibilities. Regardless of what you decide to do, add a good playlist to it! I’m a firm believer that when you add music to anything, it makes it five times better. Find what fits you! From calming nature sounds to sit and meditate, all the way to some pop hits to dance it out. So, take a break and listen to some music and always remember; you are loved, you matter, you are not alone! Always ask for help when you need it, you are not bothering anyone.
