Self care tip #3: Take a load off

I know this sounds self explanatory but for some people relaxing is not super easy to do. I for one have the hardest time just sitting on the couch doing nothing. It actually stresses me out because I am not being productive and then I feel bad about myself. Sounds a little crazy, I know, but I’m sure I’m not the only one that feels this way. I am so used to being on the go 24/7 it feels wrong to sit around and do nothing every once in a while.

I just finished up my Fall semester of senior year and have been on Winter break for almost 2 weeks now. I am back home in Chicago and considering its been -30 windchill that has given me a whole lot of time to curl up on the couch and chill (literally chill, it has been so cold out that we actually had frost form on the inside of our house). 

Most people say doing nothing is relaxing. I think it is important to know that relaxing is more than that. Relaxing is one of the kindest things you could do for yourself. Most of us don’t give our bodies and minds a break nearly as much as we should. 

This doesn’t mean that you need to spend the entire sitting on the couch staring at the tv, although if that’s what you are feeling then join the club! I have said it before, but it is all about listening to your body. If you are feeling stressed and overwhelmed then maybe you need a little mindless break to do some TikToking or scrolling on Pinterest. Or maybe grab a good read? 

Just give your mind and body a break every once in a while and remind yourself that it is more than okay to not do anything.

List of relaxing things to do:

• Read

• Meditate

• Yoga

• Nap

• Watch a good movie

• Journal

• Draw

• Crochet or knit

• Listen to music

• Go for a walk