Michael

Nature tops the list of potent tranquilizers and stress reducers. The mere sound of moving water has been shown to lower blood pressure. - Patch Adams

Rest is not idleness, and to lie sometimes on the grass on a summer day listening to the murmur of water, or watching the clouds float across the sky, is hardly a waste of time. – Sir John Lubbock

It is so important to take time for ourselves. Many of you have so many responsibilities and activities that you don’t take a moment to rest. One of the best gifts you can give yourself is some time to do nothing or something you enjoy.

Having a few moments, minutes or even hours to relax, take a few deep breathes, enjoy a book or a cup of coffee without having to interact with anyone is vitally important to your emotional health and well-being.

In fact, if you can make this a regular daily habit or at the very least a weekly habit your stress level could dramatically decrease. It doesn’t really matter what you do. Here are some examples:

• Reading a book
• Eating your favorite food
• Listening to the running water.
• Watching your favorite television program
• Taking a walk
• Playing music
• Listening to music
• Going to an exercise class
• Laying in a hammock
• Enjoying your favorite hobby
• Meditating

You get the picture. Pay yourself the gift of time every day and reap the benefits for the rest of your life.

Michael