Reduce Stress with a Restivity Plan!

Instead of Making a Festive Plan this Year - Make a Restive Plan.

Time out with cosy blanket, book and candle — Make a little time for you.

If you are feeling under pressure at this time of year with the upcoming festivities and the added stress over increasing costs then you are not alone! When you are constantly feeling stressed it can negatively impact you in many ways which can also include you neglecting to take time out for yourself. The problem here is that taking time out for yourself to rest is vital for your health and well-being and to help you manage stress and anxiety better.

How to make a Resitivity Plan

Creating your Restivity Plan doesn’t have to be difficult or a massive production where you need large amounts of time out. It can simply be things you can do in 5-20 minutes to recharge and re-set. Keep in mind that rest is so much more than lounging on the sofa for hours watching TV or sleeping. Getting a good night's sleep is vital but you also need to incorporate different types of rest as part of your self-care.

The 3 main areas to consider are

Rest for your mind and emotions,
Rest for your body
Rest for your heart and soul.

Keep in mind some of the following:

Take regular breaks throughout the day. This can include getting outside for a bit of fresh air for a few minutes, noticing nature, stretching or breathing exercises, or reading something you enjoy.
Set work boundaries and avoid working in your own time.
Have some time out to talk to a friend or loved one. This is especially important if you have concerns or worries playing on your mind. It helps to talk things out.
Notice things you are grateful for during the day and the good things in your life.
When you are feeling particularly stressed or anxious try practising Mindfulness for a few minutes. This gives your mind a rest from your worries as you focus on the present moment with all your senses instead of anxious thoughts in your head.
Consider creating a cosy, relaxing space where you know you can go to have some time out to allow your body and mind to relax and recharge when things feel overwhelming. You can include an aromatherapy diffuser or candles. Alternatively schedule in half an hour to have a quiet to soak in an aromatic bath.
Try to stick to a regular sleep schedule and ensure you are getting sufficient sleep for your needs.
Your body needs rest but also needs exercise to help reduce stress hormones such as cortisol so make sure you incorporate some form of exercise into your day.
Set some time aside for yourself to do something you enjoy such as a hobby.
If you have too much work then talk to someone or consider what you can realistically share with others so you can fit some restivity into your day.
Have some quiet time during the day to re-connect to yourself, tune into your heart and soul and listen to your inner guidance and feelings – meditation or journaling are good for this.

These are just a few suggestions to help you create a restivity plan. Do what feels right for you so you can practice better self-care over the festive season and beyond! Remember self -care is not selfish so why not take a different approach this year, one that takes care of you instead of focusing on everyone else.

In warmth

Sharon K

Holistic Health and Wellness Coach

Reiki Master/Teacher

Lincs Holistic Wellness