10 Things to Inspire You This Month

Lately I have had a difficult time writing new blog posts. I am feeling overwhelmed, exhausted, had a flare-up of my fibromyalgia, and am just lacking the creative inspiration and desire to research and write a post. And that’s OK by me.

We all face times of uncertainty in our lives. We all need to take a step back at times and do less. For this month, I am giving you 10 ways to unplug and recharge. And the great thing is this list applies to those with or without a chronic illness, so I hope this gives you some ideas to find time for YOU.

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1. Take a bath.

I often take baths with epsom salts and lavender to ease my back pain or fibromyalgia pain, and to help me relax for bed. During one recent bath I was so relaxed that I dropped my kindle in the tub 😦 . The kindle is toast, even after spending time in a bag of rice, but I now have this new cool tray for my tub that has a place for my iPad, my cup of tea or glass of wine, etc. ❤ 🙂 ❤

2. Embrace JOMO instead of FOMO

Embrace the Joy of Missing Out rather than the Fear of Missing Out. Enjoy your time “in” this weekend. Sometimes sitting around in sweats and a messy bun can be cathartic. Watch a movie you’ve been wanting to see, or finish reading that book sitting by your bed. Order take-out. Order your groceries online and go pick them up or have them delivered. Take time for you – and enJOY it.

3. Unplug from your phone for a day or a weekend.

Yes, that sounds difficult to some. Maybe you have to have it handy for work or kids. Perhaps you start small and just give up social media for the weekend. Seriously. I admit I will often mindlessly scroll through various feeds. This can be a colossal time waster. And do you really need to see all of the fun your friends are having when you are sitting at home in sweats and a messy bun? Being unplugged helps you be present.

4. Take a walk (or hike) outside.

Enjoy the sun on your face. Walk your dogs. Take a stroll around the neighborhood. Go to a local park or some walking trails and enjoy the sights, sounds, and smell of the fresh air.

5. Spend time with your____. (fill in the blank)

Maybe it’s quiet time with your spouse, a girls’ day with your best friend, or a little one-on-one time with one of your children. Carve out some time for personal connections to fill your soul and show those people you care about how important they are.

6. Get pampered.

A little spa day never hurt anyone. Get a manicure, pedicure, massage, or facial. Let someone else pamper you for a change.

7. Read a book, magazine, or blog.

Sometimes recharging means learning and expanding your mind; getting a new perspective on a problem; or escaping in some great fiction for a while.

8. Meditate.

Spend some quiet time clearing your mind. Meditating doesn’t always mean sitting in a dark room, chanting. I like to rest quietly at the end of my yoga session in corpse pose. Other times just sitting on the porch drinking coffee or wine, depending on the time of day, is a great way to relax and just be.

9. Use aromatherapy.

I have used lavender and tea tree oil for years, but have recently been expanding my essential oil collection and have invested in a diffuser. I diffuse while getting ready for bed and in the morning while getting ready for work. I have roller balls to rub on during the day or when I have pain. I add them to lotions or baths. There are so many ways to incorporate essential oils into your life. Check out my pinterest board for some other blends, but here are my favorites for diffusing:

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Bedtime recipe: 3 drops of lavender, 1 drop of vetiver or cedarwood

Morning recipe: 2 drops peppermint, 1 drop sweet orange

Afternoon energizing (brain fog) recipe: 2 drops peppermint, 2 drops eucalyptus, 1 drop lemon or orange

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10. Take a nap.

Peggy Noonan said, “Naps are nature’s way of reminding you that life is nice – like a beautiful, softly swinging hammock strung between birth and infinity.” Naps definitely don’t make up for lack of good quality sleep, but they are a great way to rejuvenate your mind and body, improve your mood, and help your alertness. Just aim for 20-30 minutes to avoid going into that deep REM mode, which can interfere with a good night’s sleep later.

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And if you missed my usual links of inspiring stories, here’s a bonus for you. Meet the art prodigy, Lola June. She will make you 🙂 .

I hope you enjoyed this month’s list and can find some time this weekend (or on your days off) to unplug and recharge. You deserve it!

What’s your favorite way to recharge?

P.S. Here’s another bonus link to 7 Ways to Get Out of a Funk!