Take mini-breaks.

Picture  by netwalker

Lately I’ve been getting stuck over-working.  I don’t mean staying late and getting overtime.  I mean missing break-time, or becoming so immersed in work that I don’t leave my chair for 2 straight hours.

While my boss may like this activity on the surface, it is not beneficial to either me or her.  The simple fact is that most of us do better when we take breaks.  You see this at any pre-school or kindergarten.  Kids are told to take a break to play or rest, or simply to change from math and numbers to art and drawing.

This change of pace helps our mind learn better, and improves our concentration and focus.  You’ll notice this whenever you say to yourself “I’m really stuck on this project, I’m going to wait until to tomorrow to do this to get a fresh perspective.”  The next day, after a full night’s rest, you look at the problem again and suddenly see a solution where you thought there where none.

So how can you make the most of your mini-breaks?  One way is to vary the type of activity to your mood and energy level.  If you are feeling ill, you may want to skip the walk and just take a quiet 2 minutes to close your eyes and take a couple of refreshing deep breathes.

Here are a few mini-break ideas to get you started:

1. Walk around the building. This is an often over-looked break.  When you are stressed-out, frustrated or simply tired, this is a great way to loosen up and unwind.   It helps un-kink your back, neck and shoulders.  The physical activity your blood moving and the effects can help aid your concentration for the next 2 hours or more.   And even if it’s cloudy the light is better outside than those harsh fluorescent lights.  As an added benefit if it’s a sunny day you will even get some free vitamin D.
2. Quiet time. This is harder to do than the others, but is highly effective.  Some places to go for quiet are; the empty conference room, your car, an empty park bench outside, a vacant cubicle, and in a pinch, the bathroom stall.  Quiet time is most effective if you can close your eyes and take a couple of deep breaths without being disturbed.  You don’t have to be long – even 2 minutes will help, the key is simply some kind of reminder to do it.
3. Internet break. Many of us are blocked from various Internet sites, but even work-related sites can sometimes be fun.  Look for jokes related to your industry, cartoons, pictures of babies, puppies or other cute animals, or a funny article about your coworkers.  You can find stress-relief articles on health sites, or simply go to a science web site and read about the latest, greatest technical inventions for an interesting change of pace.
4. Stretch. Raising your hands above your head and reaching your toes 5 times in a row is a wonderful release for tension and muscle pain.  Often we don’t even realize we’re feeling achy until we get up.  And believe me, even if you have to do this at your desk, your body, and most likely your friends will thank you.  Even though you’ll feel exposed and vulnerable, wondering if people are noticing your belly, or your old shoes, you’ll be pleased to find they simply notice the pleasure you’re getting from stretching out your back, and soon enough they’ll be following suit.
5. Music. Whether you like it loud or love to relax to quiet melodies, music is a great break.  It can invigorate you, especially if you sing along while taking a walk or working out.  You can use it to transport you to a tranquil oasis, where waterfalls quietly gurgle and birds sing in the trees.  Use your MP3 player to its full potential.  Listen at work, while in line, during a long car ride, or for 15 minutes after work.  Look for thing songs that really inspire you.
6. Humor. Laughter is a great tool for relieving stress.  Keep a joke-a-day calendar, some funny one-liners, or a cartoon book like Peanuts or Dilbert.  Send funny pictures or tell the story about your dog in the snow.  Share your favorite silly commercial, your husband’s baby picture or whatever else strikes your fancy.  The smiles and happy memories will make you feel good and improve your day.

15 quick ideas to help you relax.

Great ways to relax at work.

Relaxify your workspace.

Dog face!

fun girl

Originally uploaded by saikiishiki

Is there ever a day a cute pooch can’t make you smile? This pic made me laugh out loud! Love this doggie!

Depression in the Recession.

by simonkoležnik

I know that I’m not alone in feeling grumpy, anxious and out-of-sorts right now.  It’s the depression about the recession, and many of us are suffering from it.  We work silently, eyes glued to our computers, hoping just to be able to come in again the next day.  We turn away from the restaurants, games and places we normally enjoy to save money to pay our ever-rising bills.

So when the jobs are hard to come by, people everywhere are irritable and there seems to be no hope in the near future, what can you do about it?  How can you find motivation to keep going?  What ideas and techniques help you to find some peace in the chaos?  Different things work for different people, but here are a few things that work for me.

1. Wallow in your self-pity.  (But only for a little while.) Sometimes emotions like sadness and depression bother us because they have not been expressed.  So many of us have family situations where we are stuck in a job we don’t like because of the economy, but we can’t whine about it to our spouse because they don’t even have a job to hate.  This could be a sign we need a little private pity-party.  Whether we rail against fate, pray for a change, journal our frustration or cry alone in the bedroom for an hour or two, it can bring a little relief to simply give in to our pain for a little while.
2. Sunlight therapy. Believe me, if you’re in one of those rainy or snowy climates, right about now you probably notice the one day a week you get some sun.  So revel in it.  Take a walk outside, preferably with some upbeat music to listen to.  Enjoy how the golden light brightens everything around you.  Stand in direct sunlight for a moment or two and let it warm you through your coat.  And try a few sun substitutes at home – those “true light” and “real light” light bulbs that have more of a white glow rather than the dull yellow glow.  Also you can use a light box, or turn on a salt lamp or colored lights to liven up the colors in your home.
3. Take your vitamins. I’ve caught myself several times eating unhealthy meals because “I just don’t feel like making anything today.”  Sadness over time can make you feel disinterested in your usual activities, even eating.  If you are feeling tired, having headaches or having more aches and pains than usual, try taking some daily vitamins.  You may just find a little more energy and pep.
4. Clean up. Sometimes staying busy helps us work through our anxiety and fear.  When we use that nervous energy to make our home clutter-free and beautiful it adds an additional element of joy to our sanctuary from the world.  Remember, even if you can’t control what happens outside your home, you can control what’s within.  As an added bonus you may find a special delight, like say a cool Bugs Bunny watch that you forgot you had because the battery died and you put it away.
5. Mental break. Take it from one who knows, the more mental time-outs you can fit into your stress-filled day, the better off you will be.  Whether it’s 5 minutes to close your eyes in silence, a music meditation, reading the funnies, or watching those cute puppy videos online, any time you can slow down, relax, or have do something fun is time well spent.   Tranquility is a worthwhile goal to work for.
6. Compare yourself to others. Most people have problems, some hard, some easy.  One thing you can do is to find someone who had the same or a similar problem and see how they got past it.  You can also look for worst case scenarios – for instance the problems in Haiti come to mind right now.  Certainly none of my current problems are anywhere near that bad.  Sometimes comparison, especially exaggerated comparison can actually make you feel relief.  Lastly, you could find someone with a problem that you can solve.  Helping others lets us recognize our own skills and worth and a hearty thank-you never hurt anyone.
7. Watch something (or someone) stupid. This is another silly but sometimes effective technique.  The Internet is full of people doing stupid things.  Watching this craziness can help you realize that it’s not some lack of skill on your part causing your problems.  (If you are doing something stupid it may help you see that and put a stop to it.)  Also it could cause excessive laughter which many experts agree helps us find unique solutions where we thought there were none before.  It’s worth a try.
8. Do something different. When things aren’t going our way or obstacles appear in our path, many of us (including myself) fall back on old patterns of dealing with things.  When we’re feeling depressed it seems like nothing works – including the old things we used to enjoy.  So instead, try something new.  Take a different road to work just to see the view.  Go to a store you’ve never been in.  Join a fossil club, reading club, or go to that Harry Potter convention.  Talk to a new person at work.  Apply for a job you think you can’t get.  Just take an action that is out of the ordinary for you and see what happens.  Remember “if you keep on doing the same thing, you’ll get the same results.”

Of course this list is by no means an answer to everything.  In fact I’ve written others lists like it before.  See here, and here.  And this won’t cure clinical depression.  But for those of us who are feeling more just than the simple blues, these ideas might help us gain a new perspective, fresh solutions or at least a change of pace.  Good luck!

A Little Happiness is Better Than None.

Slide by Pink Sherbet Photography

Don’t overlook a small joy just because you’re expecting something bigger.  Don’t overlook a smile, a compliment, or your favorite song on the radio by being too busy listing your woes. There’s a reason for the saying “count your blessings.”  It’s an important reminder to help us remember that each day has good things in it that help to counter all the other sad, depressing and upsetting things that happen.

So many of us go through our days on autopilot.  We get up, go to work, eat dinner and go to bed to start the day again.  We rarely stop and appreciate all the positive things that occur. Those easily overlooked little things – a helping hand at work, quick checkout lines, or relaxing in the setting sun while twilight pinks and purples fill the sky.

Where did the insidious belief that more is better come from?  Why do people insist on admiring multi-taskers and workaholics?  Do they smile more from all that extra overtime money?   Do they enthusiastically take on new assignments with a positive attitude?  Not most of the overachievers I know.

A little light, a little joy, gives us hope for something better.  Playing with your toddler, cuddling with your cat, smelling flowers blooming or even having a headache disappear can improve your day.  Training ourselves to notice these small wonders can add up over time, making our overall days seem happier and more enjoyable.

Most of simply yearn to worry less and be thankful more. We want more time – time to relax, to read, to play with our kids, or take a walk, to listen to music, or to count the stars.  We want to have fun.  To laugh, to smile, to be stress-free.

Speaking for myself I find that the best way to accomplish this is to begin to notice what is good about my day. Make a gratitude list.  It could be silly things like “both cars are fully operational today, the dog hasn’t been sick, and I found $2.00 in my jeans pocket.”  Small things yes, but if we don’t consciously notice them, they slip from our mind like a good idea not written down.

A positive attitude helps too. Ever notice how many times people bring up stories from the news?  How many of them are happy?  Make it your mission to spread good news.  Tell them about the honor student you know, or how your repair bill was less than you thought.  Share stories of scientific breakthroughs, a local hero or money saving sales in your area.  Practicing this habit can be greatly beneficial.

Be alert to the good things in your day, and you’ll find yourself more relaxed, and a little happier. To my way of thinking, a little happiness is better than none at all.  :0)

Hogwarts is coming to Orlando!

Harry Potter theme park sign by Jonathan D. Bloom

Universal Orlando recently released some information about their upcoming new theme park – The Wizarding World of Harry Potter.  For Harry Potter fans young and old, this will be a fantasy land like no other, it’s sure to be a hit!  Full of the all the charm and whimsy of the book, this attraction is set to open in Spring 2010.

You will enter through the magnificent gates into the grandeur of Hogsmeade Village.  Once inside you will be shut off from the outside world as you are greeted by the  signature whistle and the sight of the Hogwarts Express.  Many of the favorite shops and pubs from the story are recreated here in all their medieval glory.

There will be eateries featuring food from the books, favorites such as Butterbeer or pumpkin juice at the Three Broomsticks, and sweets like chocolate frogs or Bernie Bott’s Every Flavored Beans at Honeydukes.  Shop at Ollivander’s for your own personal wand, or stop in Dervish and Bangs for Quidditch equipment and Triwizard souvenirs. Try Zonko’s joke shop for a bit of Weasely-inspired zaniness!

The Dragon Challenge will be a twin high-speed roller coaster with elements from the story.  The Flight of the Hippogriff is a family coaster simulating a flight over the school grounds.  There is also a recreation of Hogwarts Castle.  Here everyone, whether Gryffindor or Slytherin, will be welcome.  Visit the cozy common rooms, or the great feasting hall.  Every sight and sound will immerse you into the magical world of Harry Potter and his friends.

For a unique vacation you won’t soon forget, try traveling into another world.  For more information, visit the web site at Wizarding World of Harry Potter, and be sure to check out the “First look” video at the site.  I can’t wait!!!

For other great Harry Potter fun, check out the fabulous web site at Muggle Net.com.  Read up on the latest news, view gallery photos, play games and learn about the World of Hogwarts.  See you soon!

P.S.  Stop by my other web site Fun Spirit for a funny look at “How to Deal With Harry Potter Haters.”

10 Reasons Football Season is Great for Women.

On Any Given Sunday by John-Morgan

Ready or not ladies, football season is back. Men all over the country sit glued to their television sets for hours at a time, immersed in every toss of the ball.  Completely unaware of the passing of time, news of the day, or any person beyond the vicinity of the living room.

But that’s no reason to despair.  There is plenty of good news for women whose men are mentally, physically or emotionally unavailable. Time is once again your friend.  The day is yours for the taking.  Uninterrupted bliss awaits.  Whether serious or fun, now is the chance for:

1. Nap Time! This is what you’ve been waiting for.  A moment when there is no hammering, mowing, or other noisy interruptions.  Now you have at least a four-hour stretch of free time.  Take a hot bubble bath, put on some candles and music, then take a leisurely nap.  There’s nothing like ME time.
2. Less Cooking. Another happy benefit of game day is the fact that you don’t have to do any cooking unless you want to.  Get him some beer or soda, chips and dip and have pizza delivered and you’re done for the day.  Catch up on your reading, watch some movies you’ve been waiting to see or whatever other fun thing you’ve been missing.
3. Shop Till You Drop. Get your purse, call a friend, and hit the road for an all-day sales bonanza.  While he’s glued to the TV you are free to hit as many stores and shops as your poor little feet can handle.  Totally unfettered by time restrictions or unwanted male opinions.  It’s great to be a woman!
4. Home Improvement Projects. While men think they are the only ones who know how to correctly paint a wall or hang a picture, we love to do those small touches that make a house a home.  Now is the time to visit Home Depot, Lowes or your other favorite store to find the lighting, curtains, or area rugs you love.  Without all the long lines.
5. Long Chats. There’s never enough time to stay in touch with everyone you want to.  Take advantage of this disturbance-free time zone to call your mother, sister, or best friend.  Chat away without fear of time limits or sighs of impatience.
6. Do Some Girlie Things. Color your hair, have a pedicure, get a facial – or better yet a massage!  Watch a movie that makes you cry – without the guilt.  Do some aromatherapy with a great lotion, scented shampoo, candles or air freshener.  Is your favorite scent gardenia, lavender or rose?
7. Spiritual Awareness. There are times when you long to be alone.  A chance to meditate, pray, or have some quiet time to talk to God.  Whether you go to church or stay home, this is a perfect opportunity for the peace and stillness you seek.
8. Do Something Silly. Dance and sing while pretending to be your favorite rock star, build an ice cream man with peanuts, M&M’s, and a chocolate smile, or go on cute overload and look at all those emails of playful puppies, kitties and adorable babies until you’re smiling from ear to ear.  Have fun!
9. Connect With Nature. Take a walk and see how many birds you can spot.  Plant some late-blooming flowers in containers on the porch.  Take your dog to the park or drive to the mountains for some fall color.
10. Join Him. The best thing about guys and football, is when they want you to share, you only have to be in the same room.  Set up your scrapbook or photo album to organize as you watch.  You don’t have to pay much attention, as long as you cheer when the touchdown or field goal is scored (for the right team of course).  You don’t both have to do the same thing to enjoy your time together.  :0)

Have Fun Being Yourself!

Making Music by nyki_m

We all have weird and unique, hobbies, interests or talents.  I have recently been reminded how fun it is to indulge in them. And how fulfilling it can be.  Our passions – those activities that feed our joy and happiness, are vital to our wellbeing.  No matter what others think, you need to pursue your passions to give excitement and satisfaction to your life.

Whether you love riding ATV’s through the mud, studying poetry, dancing, singing, or using your belly as a bongo drum, it is important to do things you enjoy. Just as some people love country music, and some love rock, we all like to do different things.  While classical music could be viewed as an alien form of torture to a hip-hop fan, to the right person it is an uplifting, mood-enhancing pastime full of emotion and beauty.

Be yourself.  Don’t change to fit someone else’s idea of you. If you’re a woman who loves power saws and wood working – go for it.  If you’re a man who loves drawing and sculpture, join a class with like-minded souls.  Step away from fear.  Fear of embarrassment that people think you’re silly.  Fear of failure because you’re not skilled at your task.  If it makes you happy – then go for it!

Not sure what your passions are?  Google some ideas on the Internet, or go to the local library and browse some books.  When you find something that peaks your interest try it.  By yourself.  Don’t have any family or even friends there to influence you.  If it makes you smile, laugh or motivates you to do more, you’ll know you’ve found a new calling.

One of my greatest dreams is to write for a big greeting card company like Hallmark.  While that may never happen, I do still love both writing and greeting cards.  I love to visit the Hallmark web site to see all the great cards they have and to visit some favorite characters like Maxine and Hoops & Yoyo.  I also love to make up my own greeting cards for family and friends.  I love rhymes so most of mine are like that.  They are often silly and not too great, but they enjoy the personalized gift, and I enjoy the process of creation.

Here’s a quick sample:

With a flick of the wand

And a swish of his cloak

Girls giggled and swooned

Over that Harry Potter bloke

He works with Dumbledore

To catch You-Know-Who

His friends Ron and Hermione

Stand by him too

He’s dashing and clever

And oh so smart

That black-haired rascal

Captured many a heart

Snape creeps along

And Malfoy sneers too

Keep your eyes peeled

And watch what they do

Sad and exciting

What a tale to tell

I sure hope in the end

It all turns out well!

Silly yes, but I’m sure a few of my friends will enjoy the fun of the film and a silly poem to boot.  :0)  I may not be great, but it’s still fun and that’s what counts.

There is great happiness in doing what you love. If you can’t do it for money, you can certainly do it for fun.  When times are tough, say financial difficulties, a lost job, family illness or other problem is when you need the comfort and mood-boosting effects of your passions the most.  Even 10-20 minutes a day can help – heck even 5 minutes of music during a stressful day at work can turn your frown upside down.

Be your weird, strange, unusual kooky self.  It’s okay to love Audrey Hepburn – even if you’re only twenty years old.  Go ahead and be the only history buff at work.  Feel free to advise friends of the benefits of digging in the dirt for semi-precious gems.  Go ahead and build 25 custom-made birdhouses for your backyard.  You’ll love it, and it’ll make you happy.  When you’re happy so are those around you.  Remember your positive attitude may just rub off on the rest of the world.  Isn’t that a beautiful benefit of being yourself?