Unwind: Simple Solutions for Getting Away From it All
Lately, I’ve been hearing a lot of people (including myself) getting stuck in what is life: demands of work, too many plans, too little plans, endless errands, etc. etc. The list goes on and on. But mostly what it comes down to is not taking a second to breathe, wake up and smell the coffee , do what you love. Sometimes it may seem like you are walking through life like a zombie. Wake up. Eat breakfast. Work. Go home. Sleep. Repeat. And when you think like that, everything builds up in your head and you naturally become a miserable, unsure-of-yourself, complaining lady (which we know you are really not).
Just the other day I found myself wondering, “What am I doing with my life?” which naturally got me wondering, Where is this all going? What am I going to be when I grow up? Will I ever fall in love? Am I doing the right thing? (among many more questions). Then I realized, I don’t need to know the answer right now. But I do need to start filling my life up with little things I find pleasure in, in the meantime.
So if you are like me (and many other women) wondering What if? try to think in the present and fill your day with happy thoughts instead. Live in the now. Some ideas:
1. Take a mini vacation. Sure, you might not be able to get work off for an entire week to vacay to the Bahamas, but who’s to say you can’t go away for a weekend getaway. Plan a trip with a few friends to go hiking while the weather still isn’t frigid, or book a weekend away to visit a friend in another state. I knew I needed to get away, so I recently booked a 5 day trip (Thursday-Monday) to see my sister in Baltimore. While there, I’m going to visit a few old friends and also take a detour to DC to stay with one of my best friends from college. I. Can. Not. Wait.
Can’t wait to be reunited with my #1 Southern belle!
2. Look at Old Photographs: This is so much fun to do when you’re feeling a little on edge about life. Going through old photos brings back so many memories-the good and the bad. I recently stumbled upon some really silly family photos including this hilarious pic of my sister when she was younger. Poor little thing was so chubby, she was bursting out of her buttons (too darn cute).
3. Write a letter (or a thoughtful email) to a good friend: The other day when I was feeling bummed out, I wrote a long email to a good friend, telling her what was on my mind. It was so much more productive than complaining to my roommates (no one likes a complainer) or keeping it bottled up inside (worst thing you can do for yourself). The letter doesn’t have to be a “I’m bummed out letter” but I urge you to write a letter (preferably old school with pen and paper) to someone you love, even if it is just to catch up on life.
4. Plan a fabulous ladies’ night out: Tonight I’m going out to dinner with a good friend for sushi in China Town. It’s only 10:30 a.m. and it’s already all that I can think about. I’m going to dress up. Maybe put on some heels. Oh, and eat my little heart out. Nothing is better than a girls’ night out for sushi! Yes, life can get pretty hectic at times, but you need to remember to do things with your friends once in a while…fun things involving food + wine + laughter. Life’s too short to always be concerned about work/ relationships/family issues.
Nights out with Meggie are the best <3
5. Read a Book: There’s nothing like escaping into the world of a great novel to get away from it all. Currently I’m reading Water For Elephants. Pick up a great book next time you’re at a used bookstore or library…and simply let it take you away!
6. Get a New Wardrobe (or Hairdo): One of my roomates has been extra-stressed with work lately, and decided it was time to…buy new clothes! “I realized I’m not doing enough for me, which probably has a lot to do with how I’m feeling.” So what did she do? She didn’t sulk. Instead she decided she’s going on a personal shopping spree, and also booked an appointment with her hair salon. I’m so proud of her! We don’t do “me” things nearly enough in life, and that’s something all of us can work on. No, it doesn’t have to be spending loads of money on new makeup. It could be little things like taking 10 minutes to yourself each day, re-connecting with an old hobby (like painting or writing), going for a long walk, or even painting your nails!
Do you ever find yourself confused/stressed/overwhelmed with life? What do you do to get away from it all?
October 28th, 2010 at 12:10 pm
I’m def feeling stressed lately – thanks for this post, I needed it! I LOVED Water for Elephants. Have fun tonight!
October 28th, 2010 at 3:09 pm
Firstly (and I might be biased) but I love you as a blonde! Love it. Secondly, this is such a great wellness piece. I think that it’s important that we are all intimate with ourselves at some point. For me, it’s through writing. I sit with a pen and a notebook and write out lyrics, them belt them out (in the comfort of my home of course).
We are so busy to-do-listing our lives away, that we miss the present moment because we are so focussed on just getting stuff done. I also recommend for readers to be more mindful and even take a mindfulness course. Being mindful creates such a sense of calm, and makes you more aware of the present.
October 28th, 2010 at 3:41 pm
Nothing does it for me quite like retail therapy. As far as getting a new hairdo goes, I do that a lot…and it never ends up being a good idea! Don’t cut your hair under duress!
October 28th, 2010 at 4:51 pm
Bianca, glad the post helped. I definitely know what it’s like to be stressed out to the max! Jen- I go back and forth from blonde to brunette ’cause my mom’s a hairdresser, but thanks! I love your input…being mindful is definitely something we all should take not of more often. And Stephanie, thanks for the tip. It’s true-you never wanna do anything too drastic & then regret it haha