Make your home a haven of comfort and relaxation. Here are some tips.
Do you do all you can to bring down your
stress levels? In all likelihood, the answer is a resounding 'no'.
Although many of us know that meditation, a leisurely bath, a massage,
all help relax and relieve stress, not all of us have the time or the inclination to so indulge ourselves.
Realize that when you are under a lot of stress either at home or due
to work pressures, such 'indulgences' are necessary if you want to
retain your health, state of mind,
and be able to perform your functions well. Don't think of a message or
a leisurely soak in the tub as pampering yourself. Instead, think of it
as taking time out to heal your heart and mind.
Reduce stress and make your home a haven of comfort by simply making a few inexpensive purchases.
Candles
Scented or non-scented, candles add instant atmosphere to any space and function as an instant relaxant. Light a candle
in the evening on returning home from home, or just before your spouse
returns. A candle works best when it is lit in a dark area, and if you
like to work, read or watch television as soon as you return home, you
couldlight a candle in your bedroom before turning in for the night.
The soothing, flickering light will help put to you sleep. Never leave
a burning candle unattended, which is why it is best if it is inside a
lantern. Lalitha, a lawyer, lights a small diya in front of her puja
table, which is in her bedroom, every night before going to sleep. She
puts very little oil in the diya, so the diya burns out in an hour, by
which time she is deep in slumber. "It beats a night-light any day!"
Chimes
The lovely, tinkling sounds made by chimes subconsciously lift
your spirits and make you feel lighter and more relaxed. Studies show
that chimes help you recover sooner from depression as well. Place a
few chimes in every room, by the windows, so they tinkle every time the
wind blows.
Music
Classical music relaxes you, while heavy metal music gets your adrenaline going and, to an extent, stresses you out. If you are feeling particularly lazy and want to get up and go,
listen to some foot tapping, quick beats. But if you are stressed out
and just want to unwind, play a record of slow, classical music. Let it
play in the background as you go about doing whatever you need to do,
or, turn it on, sit down and close your eyes as you concentrate on the
music for around 15 minutes every day. Some people also like to sleep
to classical music as it helps them fall asleep, and they feel more
relaxed and refreshed when they wake up. In fact, if you are very
stressed, consider sleeping to music. Even slow pop music playing in
the background, helps. You tend to concentrate on the music, especially
if you are familiar with it, and the words of the song and the beat
will take over your mind helping the problems of the day recede into
the background.
