I don't know about you but when I get busy with a project, the day job, and life in general, I sometimes forget to take care of myself. We all do this from time to time, though some of us may do it a lot more often than we should.
Here are some ideas that may help when you need to recharge or just take some time for yourself.
Wear comfortable clothes.
As soon as I get home from the day job, I change into comfortable clothes. In warm weather, it's usually shorts and an oversized t-shirt. In cold weather, it's some type of leggings or sweatpants and an oversize long sleeved shirt or oversized sweatshirt. Thank goodness for the men's clothing section where I can find the oversized shirts and sweatshirts I like to wear around home.
If you noticed, I said warm weather and cold weather. There have been many a Christmas that I was in shorts and a t-shirt or jeans and t-shirt because the weather was warm instead of cold. And there have been cold fronts in March that had everyone in long sleeves. But that's Texas weather.
Sip a cup of your favorite hot tea or coffee.
I honestly bounce back and forth between coffee and tea, and I drink it either hot or cold depending on my mood or the weather. It's nice to just sit in front of a window, sip my drink and watch the hummingbirds dance around the feeders. At first, we had only one coming to the feeders. Now, we have five. I love watching them.
Read a book.
It's nice to get lost in another world, even if it's only for a few minutes. (Shameless plug here. LOL)
Listen to music.
Classical, jazz, rock and roll, pop music...whatever is your favorite put it on and let it sweep you away.
Take a nap.
Sleep is the biggest problem I have. I just don't get enough. I used to feel guilty about coming home from the day job and taking a fifteen to thirty minute nap. But not anymore. Hours at the day job, and then work at home along with writing full time takes its toll. Most nights I don't get enough sleep. My body will just shut down on me when I get sleep deprived. A good example was last night. I was up alone writing. I woke up two hours later and I had only writing one paragraph. Sleep is essential. If it takes a nap after work to get you through the evening, then that's what you have to do to take care of yourself.
Pick up your favorite take-out instead of cooking.
There are days when so much is going on that I just need a break from cooking. There is nothing wrong with indulging in take-out. I just try not to do it too often.
Drink plenty of water.
I've always heard that if you are thirsty, you are already dehydrated. That's a scary thought, especially if it's hot outside. I always know when I don't drink enough water because my body tells me. Make sure you drink plenty of water.