Got Rhythm?

Want to thrive while juggling job and family?  Get into a regular rhythm of work and rest.  It's as vital as inhaling and exhaling.

The right rhythm for you is uniquely yours. 

A daily period of 10 to 20 minutes to relax and rejuvenate can do wonders.  You might decide that one day per week; you'll avoid work related to your paid job and keep household chores to a minimum.  Vacations of several days or longer are marvellous to look forward to.

The key is to make periods of relaxation a regular part of your weekly, monthly and yearly schedule.

START SMALL.

Short breaks are the easiest to schedule.  Even moms with toddlers can manage a few minutes a day to read, pray, stretch or whatever else helps you find your center.

During the spring when my first child was learning to walk, I benefited enormously from spending just five minutes a day reading The Physics of Star Trek.  Over time, my rhythm came to include longer rest periods, with even greater benefits.

Now, if I slip out of my rhythm, my family reminds me to get back into it.  They can tell the difference in me!

So, don't wait until you're frazzled and depleted.  If you haven't do so already, start experimenting to today to find your own, unique rhythm of work and rest.

QUESTIONS TO HELP YOU GET STARTED:

On what day or days of the week can I most successfully claim time for myself? What time of day works best? What activities will I avoid during my "time off"? What activities will promote inner calm and vitality?

Enjoy!

 By Norma Schmidt
Who is Sylvia Kristel?

Happiness means longer life

A scientific review found evidence that people who feel positive about life, not stressed or pessimistic, have a tendency to live longer and experience better health than their unhappy peers.  But what if you're feeling down?

Get some exercise – this will boost your feel-good hormones; phone a friend – a kind voice at the other end of the line can sometimes make you feel a thousand times better; eat something – a sandwich might make you feel better instantly, especially if your blood sugar levels are low; bury yourself in a book – there's nothing like an interesting story to take your attention off your own troubles; get out into nature – a walk on the mountain is guaranteed to lift your spirits; take a nap or a bath – often you just need some rest to perk you up.

Health24