Top 7 Ways To Chill for Cheap
By Andrea Watson
You work hard. At home, at work, even during rec time, you’re constantly hitting it, right? Yeah. It can be exhausting, I know-especially if you have kids. Moms just never get a break. But that’s not really a healthy way to live, is it? Without any “me” time, self care goes out the window and then what have you got left? A charred stump of human who is so burned out she can hardly get anything done any more. Well, let’s end all that right here, right now. You can take breaks. You should take breaks, and most importantly, you are allowed to take breaks. Today we are going to discuss some of my favorite ways to chill for cheap. So let’s go!
Take a Nap
That’s right, you heard me. Go ahead and pass out for around 30-90 minutes per day. Doing this has been shown to benefit your brain, specifically your cognitive functioning. Hitting the hay for any amount of time is kind of like hitting the restart button on your phone. You may fall asleep anxious (not recommended) or in a super-busy daze, but after you catch those zzzzs you wake up feeling like you’ve caught your second wind. You work better, play better, and solve problems better after a reset. Be careful not to nap for too long, otherwise you lose all of these great benefits. Naps that last for too long have no proven positive side effects and can really leave you feeling sleepy and unmotivated. Are the kids too loud? Too needy? Set up a “Quiet Time” for everyone in the house. Establish the nap time rules. Try ear plugs, or some soothing white noise sounds. You can find these on YouTube if you don’t feel like paying for noise.
Hit the Gym
Okay, so you don’t actually have to go to a gym to do this, but more power to you! You can do this one just about anywhere. Go for a walk, jog, or run. Get in a quick ab workout. DO some yoga. YouTube is a great resource for finding instructional workout videos and if you don’t know where try typing in “quick and easy workouts”. You only need about 30 minutes per day to feel refreshed and rejuvenated. It’s also great for your health, and that’s just an added benefit! Your doctor will be impressed, your heart and lungs will thank you, and your waistline may even shrink a bit all while you are taking this one step to giving yourself a break.
Trade Massages
Massage is a great way to relieve tension and relax. The perfect break. Massage lowers cortisol levels (that’s a stress hormone). It also lowers the amount of cytokines (molecules that increase inflammation) you have running around and boosts your immune system. These are all scientifically proven reasons to get a massage and if you want to take the time out to read all about it you can do that here. If you don’t have the money to go to a massage therapist, you could always use a friend or significant other to help you out. Maybe even one of your kids could do it. This is why I say trade massages. Just the other night by best friend and I traded scalp massages and it was amazing! Whether it’s your scalp, shoulders, face, hands, or any other part of you, massage usually feels great and benefits your health as well as mental health.
Have a Snack
Let’s face it: a lot of us simply forget to eat throughout the day. It’s an un-habit that’s hard to break. So when I say have a snack, I mean something filled with protein. Protein is good for you. Not only does it keep you away from sugary carb-filled munching, but it also contains amino acids (those neurotransmitter producers) that help in the treatment of anxiety and depression. Whether it’s trail mix or Greek yogurt, there are lots of fast and easy (as well as portable) snack ideas to choose from.
Listen to music-Loudly
Who ever said, “If it’s too loud you’re too old”? Well, a lot of people I guess. It doesn’t really have to be loud it just has to be something you enjoy (no “Wheels on the bus”). People have been taking breaks with music ever since our ancestors were beating on home-made drums with animal bones and sticks. Music improves our mood, and it also allows us to do a variety of things. We each have different music for working out vs relaxing. Depending on what you want to do, the type of music you choose can help you get there. It could be Gaga. It could be Ariana Grande. Hell, it could even be Slayer. Even if you want something generic like Japanese drum sounds, whatever you pick, make sure it’s for you and make sure it fits your break time goal. And if you have head phones, it can be as loud as you want!
Play
Yes, like a kid. No, Not on your phone or other device. I mean really actually play. This costs nothing and pure fun is rare. Make sure to take at least half an hour to do this.There are board games, puzzles, coloring, and so many other types of adult play time to choose from. Play is excellent for kid brains and adult brains alike. It promotes problem solving abilities, imagination, creativity, and emotional well-being. But wait- There’s More! Playing with another person is even better. It strengthens our relationships, sharpens interpersonal skills, and promotes laughter, which is the best medicine after all. Not to mention that it also keeps you feeling energetic and young, and who doesn’t want that? You may have to get set up the right way before you can implement and really enjoy play time for yourself. Check out this awesome Pinterest board for inspiration, or simply walk to the neighborhood park.
Go Outside
In the rain. In the shine. In the snow. It doesn’t matter. Being outside helps us to get connected with nature. This is important if we want to reduce stress, anger, and fear. It also allows us the time to ponder our own existential crises and really get down to who and what we are. We get to know ourselves better during a nice reflection period in nature. It helps you to relax naturally and energize your body and spirit. Plus, it gives you something new to look at and focus on. A change of scenery is always good for a break. A half hour in nature really does your whole selves good and makes for a happier you.
So we have had our break (using one of these 7 awesome ideas) and now it’s time to get back to it. You should be feeling relaxed, focused, and rejuvenated. Perhaps you are in a silly mood after all that play, or ready to take on that big looming project after listening to your favorite focus music. Maybe your brain is working better since you ate that power-packed protein snack. Whatever you do for your break is up to you. Make it a priority. Put yourself first right now, because this is an important part of self-care, which is essential for effective adulting. Be proud of yourself for allowing a break time in as part of your regular routine. And keep going. Every day. For your mind, health, and well-being as well as for those loved ones around you.
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