Nocturnal Journal–Mandy M. Roth

Taking Care of Business
By N.J. Walters

Time. What happens to it all in the run of a week. Every working woman, whether she works from home or out in the world, understand what I’m talking about. There never seems to be enough time to get it all done.

Work, kids, husband, family, friends, and various groups we’re all part of—everyone wants a piece of us. Where in there is the time for us?

It’s an epidemic in the modern world and women are slowly killing themselves trying to do everything. It’s more prevalent among younger women, I think. As we get older, I’d like to think we gain a little more perspective on the world and realize that we can’t do everything. Nor can we be all things to all people. And we shouldn’t be.

Ultimately, the only person we’re responsible for is ourself. If we have families, sure we want to take care of them, but it shouldn’t be at the expense of ourselves. If we wear ourselves out and have nothing left to give, how does this enrich our family? It doesn’t.

It’s hard to find time for ourselves in this day and age. It seems as if each “time saving” device leaves us less time. Think about it. Computers, cell phones and Blackberries make work much easier, but it also means that we never truly leave work at all. Instead of saving time, they take all our time.

So here are 5 simple, and cheap, ways to pamper yourself. Ways to take care of the business of taking care of you. Some of them don’t require much time, which means you have no excuse not to do them.

1. Take a hot bath. I mean it. Turn off the cell phone and tell the kids they’re only to knock on the door if someone is bleeding to death. If they’re too young to be left on their own enlist your hubby’s help. Belive me, he’ll be happier to have a relaxed and happy wife when you go to bed. 

Showers are for the morning when you have to get clean in a hurry. A bath is all about pampering and relaxation. Before you step into the tub, brush your skin with a loofah or soft brush. It will slough away dead skin cells and help your circulation. Buy a sample pack of bathoil or bubble for your bath. You can buy them for under $1 a piece so there is no excuse. Slip into the tub. Relax and enjoy. You can sip on a cup of tea, a glass of wine, or whatever you’d like. When you get out, dry off with a clean fluffy towel and take the time to moisturize your skin.

2. Indulge in a piece of good chocolate, or whatever other treat is your favorite. It’s yours. You’re not sharing it with anyone. Furthermore, you’re going to go off by yourself and eat it. Whether it takes you ten minutes or a half hour, I don’t care. Take a bite and let it sit in your mouth. Savor it. If it’s chocolate, just let it melt in your mouth. Let yourself really taste it. Again, good chocolate now comes in bars under $3. Indulge.

3. Read a book. I know that this is a retreat for many women. I love browsing the bookstore to find my new book. With computers, you can also buy books on-line whenever you want. If new books aren’t in the budget at the moment, hit the library. But remember, you can buy e-books fairly inexpensively. I read before bed. It helps me unwind and relax.

4. Turn off the computer and television. Do not have either in your bedroom. Your bedroom is for sleeping, relaxing and being with your partner if you have one. It’s not for work or television. It’s your sanctuary. Treat it that way. Removing all electronic equipment will give you a much better night’s sleep. The only thing I’d keep is possibly a stereo. But no news, just soothing relaxing music.

5. Take five minutes, close your eyes and just be. Don’t allow yourself to think about anything. This is much harder than it sounds. We have a tendency to always be multitasking, always thinking two or three tasks ahead. Let go. They’ll all still be there five minutes from now.

There are many more ways to relax. These are just a few. What do you do to relax and unwind? Inquiring minds want to know!

Emotional~Sensual~Satisfying Reads!
http://www.njwalters.com
http://www.njwalters.blogspot.com
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