National Relaxation Day

Most of us need this on a pretty regular basis.  That’s what a vacation is for right?  But there is an official day for relaxation.  August 15th is the day, so here are some great ways to unwind.

As this is considered a national holiday, sorry school and work still on, its a great opportunity to look into ways to destress your day. By all means these methods work on normal days too.

Meditation

Meditation is a habitual process of quieting your mind and focusing on redirecting your thoughts.

Mediations can increase awareness of yourself and your surroundings. Many people think of it as a way to reduce stress and develop concentration. 15 minutes of deep meditation can energize you like a nap. People also use the practice to develop other beneficial habits and feelings, such as a positive mood and outlook, self-discipline, healthy sleep patterns and even increased pain tolerance.

I learned some really good technics when I took professional yoga. You do not have to use yoga or religion based meditation to get the benefits. Simple mindfulness meditation focus on your breathing and body. As you become more focused, you notice more about them. For instance you may notice your breathing a little fast, your heart rate is high or your blood pressure is elevated. Now that you’re focusing on it you can lower those symptoms. You’ll feel the state of your body. You’re muscles may say you twisted the wrong way, or over did it chasing the kids.

Visualations

Visualization or visualisation (see spelling differences) is any technique for creating imagesdiagrams, or animations to communicate a message. Visualization through visual imagery has been an effective way to communicate both abstract and concrete ideas since the dawn of humanity. Examples from history include cave paintingsEgyptian hieroglyphs, Greek geometry, and Leonardo da Vinci‘s revolutionary methods of technical drawing for engineering and scientific purposes.

The Secret
The Secret
The Secret: Dare to Dream
The Secret: Dare to Dream

Get the music in your prefered format here.

No matter the method you prefer take some time for you and try some relaxation. How do you relax? Leave us a comment and tell how and why, best of all the results…

Related celebrations

No matter your chosen method help your self to some well earned relaxation time.

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Stress Awareness Month

Stress Awareness Month is an annual designation observed in April. Have you ever been in a situation that was a little (or a lot) overwhelming, you had deadlines approaching and a mile-long to do list, and you were just in way over your head?! Well, you’re definitely not alone. Everyone feels stressed from time to time, especially as we get older and the responsibilities really pile onto our plate. The thing about stress is, a little bit of it isn’t necessarily a bad thing, but too much of it can be detrimental to our emotional and physical health. Learning to find that healthy balance is the best way to live a productive, happy life.

A small amount of stress once in a while is a good thing, because it means you’re working hard and you care about what you’re doing. If you were never stressed, that would probably mean you’re living a lethargic lifestyle without a whole lot of work involved. However, too much stress doesn’t allow us to think straight, and is  overbearing and counterproductive. Prolonged stress even leads to real physical problems and can cause strokes, IBS, ulcers, diabetes, muscle and joint pain, miscarriages, and many more.

This month, recognize the difference between good and bad stress and try to find your happy place within the madness.

HISTORY

Stress Awareness Month is supported every year by the Stress Management Society

HOW TO OBSERVE

Use #NationalStressAwarenessMonth or #StressAwarenessMonth to post on social media. This month, we are all challenged to keep our stress levels low, and our peace levels high. Here are some great ways to keep your mind clear and de-stress if you find yourself getting too overwhelmed.

  1. Exercise. You’ve probably heard this one before, and even though it’s probably not exactly what you want to do when you’re feeling stressed (because laying on the couch and watching movies sounds more appealing), exercising gets endorphins pumping through your brain, which triggers a happy feeling. Exercise lowers your body’s stress hormones like cortisol, and releases chemicals that make you feel more at peace.
  2. Think about taking natural supplements to help you feel more at ease. Natural remedies like lemon balm, omega-3 fatty acids, ashwagandha, green tea, and essential oils are very helpful.
  3. Light a candle or turn on the oil diffusers, put on some soft, soothing music and dim the lights. Take a deep breath and count your blessings.
  4. Caffeine intake reduction can help (even though it’s tough to kick the coffee!) because caffeine tends to make us jittery, which can cause stress and anxiety.
  5. Spend time laughing with friends and family. Let yourself have a good time and get your mind off the busyness of the real world.

NATIONAL MONTH OF HOPE

During April, buds come into full bloom brightening our days, and the National Month of Hope also lends a hand in lifting our spirits.

Bringing hope to someone can take many forms. Being a positive role model in a child’s life or providing a community a foundation for future endeavors both provide hope for the future. Lift the spirits of a friend suffering from a medical issue or volunteer at a local homeless shelter. We are each able to bring a ray of hope in our own ways by contributing wisdom, time, kindness, and when possible, donating to charities that make the impossible possible.

NATIONAL MONTH OF HOPE HISTORY

H.O.P.E.

Mothers In Crisis, Inc. founded National Month of Hope to help spread hope around the world. Founded by Rosalind Tompkins in 1991 when she was just four years clean and sober, Mothers In Crisis, Inc. supports women and families who are in need bringing them hope and empowering them to find a new path.

On Mothers In Crisis’s 25th Anniversary in April of 2016, they received proclamations from the City of Tallahassee and the Board of County Commissioners acknowledging the significant contributions Mothers In Crisis has made in their region and also declaring Friday as Hope Universe Day.

Explore More….

HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalMonthOfHope

  • Everyone needs a little hope now and then. Spread a little sunshine their way and bring some hope into their lives.
  • Volunteer by reading to children in schools.
  • Experience meaningful and healthy communication with loved ones, family, friends, co-workers,
    and colleagues.
  • Giving of time, food, and money to help families in need.
  • Minister to those incarcerated by writing letters and visiting.
  • Post on social media words of hope.
  • Sharing your story of overcoming with those who are going through hard times.
  • Lending a helping hand to those in need.
  • Cleaning up areas where there is trash such as parks and beaches.
  • Spend a day with the homeless whether on the streets in shelters, etc. “Unless you walk a mile in their shoes you won’t know how to help!”
  • Use #NationalHopeMonth to share your hope on social media.

The Velvet Heart of Winter: Amethyst, February’s Enchanting Birthstone

As February cloaks the world in a quiet, romantic hush, its birthstone emerges as a burst of regal color against the winter palette. Amethyst, with its captivating range from soft lilac to deep, velvety purple, is more than just a gem; it is a piece of the twilight sky crystallized. Its beauty lies in its serene yet profound hue—a color long associated with royalty, spirituality, and the delicate, introspective heart of winter. Whether catching the light in a delicate pendant or gleaming from a statement ring, amethyst possesses a quiet magnetism, a beauty that feels both ancient and intimately personal, making it a truly romantic gem for those born in the month of love.

The romanticism of amethyst is woven into its very legend. Ancient Greek mythology tells of the maiden Amethystos, who was spared from Dionysus’s wrath by the goddess Artemis, transforming her into a pure, clear quartz statue. Remorseful, Dionysus wept tears of wine, staining the quartz a magnificent purple, thus gifting the world the first amethyst. This tale imbues the stone with a narrative of protection, transformation, and passionate grace. It is a gem that speaks of serene devotion and the profound beauty that can arise from vulnerability and care, making it a deeply symbolic gift for lovers, a tangible whisper of a protective and enduring affection.

Beyond its poetic origins, amethyst carries centuries of rich symbolism. For millennia, it has been cherished as a “stone of sobriety,” believed by the ancients to ward off intoxication and clear the mind—a quality that lent it to being carved into goblets and worn by rulers seeking wisdom. This symbolism evolved into attributes of balance, peace, and spiritual wisdom. It is a gem that represents a calm mind and a pure heart, offering a symbolic anchor of clarity and inner strength. For the February-born, it serves as a personal talisman, encouraging introspection, humility, and a centered spirit amidst life’s storms.

In the realm of adornment, amethyst offers unparalleled versatility. Its availability in large, eye-catching crystals makes it perfect for bold cocktail rings and dramatic pendant stones, while its more delicate lavender shades lend themselves to ethereal, everyday jewelry. Paired with the cool sparkle of white diamonds or the warm glow of yellow gold, amethyst consistently captivates. It is a democratic gem—once as prized as rubies and sapphires in royal crowns, now accessible enough to be a beloved centerpiece in any jewelry collection, allowing its wearer to carry a touch of historic luxury and personal meaning.

Ultimately, to wear amethyst is to carry a piece of winter’s most mystical magic. It is the perfect emblem for February souls: a gem that balances the fiery passion of the heart with the cool, calming clarity of a thoughtful mind. It symbolizes a love that is deep, protective, and wise—a romance that goes beyond fleeting feeling to embody true understanding and tranquility. In its majestic purple depths, one finds the quiet beauty of a winter sunset, the rich tapestry of ancient myth, and a timeless invitation to embrace both serenity and strength.