Its summer at the sun is out!!! Time to get ready for the beach!? I wish I could go right now, but since the closest beach is about seven hours away, I think I’ll have to wait till December – if I’m lucky! 
We haven’t booked anything yet, so I hope there is still some place vacant for us!
Anyway, things that I always get ready for summer, is definitely my suntan, a nice new bikini, and some books. I love reading, but hardly get time when I’m working, so December holidays, I attempt to READ. Romance Novels are among my favourites. What better to get you in the mood for the holiday romance you might find!
I’m no longer looking for that fling on the beach, but still, these novels help to remind you about the love that you might have forgotten about long ago. Other than that, I find reading extremely relaxing…
Even if you’re not lucky enough to have a warm summery December, take some time these holidays, and try to get your hands on some of the book that Mills and Boon stock!
They have a wide variety of books in store, and you will definitely find something you would want to read.
So finally I have an evening to myself. Kind of. Tonight I’m going to spend time pampering myself with a facial and an hour in the bath with a good book.
We all need time out just for ourselves sometimes. I realize that that sounds selfish, but I reckon that people need to spend time on themselves every now and then, else they’ll be exhausted, and possibly miserable.
If you feel like a bus hit you, maybe you should consider spending some time just with yourself, doing what you love.
Here’s an interesting article from Health24 which inspired me to relax…
You have to take time out every single day to sit back, breathe deeply, relax and enjoy life in the present moment. It is important to create a gap between work and home environment. Always have mental and physical activities in your life that you enjoy. Make these pastimes separate from your work life. It reminds us to keep work in an important but appropriate place.
A bath with soothing aromatic essential oils (e.g. camomile, lavender, neroli, sandalwood); soft candlelight and gentle music will do wonders for any disturbed soul.
The following are suggestions: join a practical philosophy class, do progressive muscle relaxation exercises, meditation, yoga, pottery or painting, classical or relaxation music (nature sounds, soft, instrumental), gym, aerobic class, candlelight dinner, start a walking, wine tasting, or book club.
Remember all religions have a rich and strong history of meditation which we seem to have lost along the way as the world became materialistic and analytical. Prayer is also good for obtaining balance. Prayer is actually where you communicate with God. Meditation is where you become silent, reach your own inner strength and power and allow God to communicate with you. You don’t have to go to formal religious meetings to enrich your soul. You can practice on your own, with a group, or with your family.
Imagine your thoughts being the waves on the surface of the ocean. They go up and down as the mood, your feelings, emotions and your memory dictate. The deeper ocean is quiet, still and peaceful. This is the part you can access voluntarily any time of the day and night through meditation, visualisation, deep breathing and prayer.
I strongly recommend Dr. Herbert Benson’s Relaxation Response.
Creative visualisation is also very effective as a relaxation tool. Once you’ve relaxed as described, visualise (see in your mind’s eye) yourself in a peaceful garden. Use all your senses to experience your imaginary surroundings. Look at what you can see, taste the air, smell the grass, flowers, listen to the birds, the wind blowing through the leaves, feel the air against your skin, taste the freshness. You will often find solutions to niggling problems once you give your mind a chance to turn back into itself instead of constantly being busy with monkey chatter.
Listen to your body:
Stress-related illness would include frequent colds, depression, eczema, premenstrual tension, frequent other irritating infections, asthma, irritable bowel syndrome, peptic ulcers, gastritis, arthritis, allergies, diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol, etc. Nearly all our modern day diseases have an underlying stress component. If you get frequent colds or fever blisters (cold sores), it’s time to sit up, take notice and take a break! Your immune system is showing you that you’re overdoing it.
I hope you all have a wonderful week! 
Remember to relax!
