5 instant pick-me-ups. Blog marathon post 4

It isn't easy, this modern life.
Deadlines, E-mail messages that have to be replied to immediately, meetings, travel, work-pressure, things on the home-front, kids, daily chores and a fifty things that are unaccounted for.
It is only natural to feel bogged down, exhausted and unfocussed.

How does one keep one's spirits high in this daily hustle and bustle? Here are five instant pick-me-ups that work for me every single time. And they aren't too hard to do either.


1. Music

 Billy Joel had said "I think music in itself is healing. It's an explosive expression of humanity. It's something we are all touched by. No matter what culture we're from, everyone loves music." I can't agree more. I think what happens is that we listen to music as a 'background' track. What we should instead do is take five minutes out. Go to a place where you will not be disturbed. Plug in your ear-phones and close your eyes and  LISTEN to that one song that speaks to your soul.
I did that this morning and it worked for me. Here is the song I listened to:

(It is pure magic, the violin at the beginning. Do hear)





2. Breathe deeply

 Most of us in our daily lives do not breathe right. Each of the cells in our body require more oxygen than we are currently providing them. So breathe deeply. To the count of ten. You will be surprised how much this very simple thing works as a 'pick-me-up'. Try it!

3. Drink green tea

For me, green tea works as a huge de-stressing thing. I like to sip my green tea (you just have to dunk in the tea bag in a cup of hot water. You can do it even if you are working. You just need to keep some green tea-bags in your desk). Do not add sugar or milk. It may feel odd in the beginning if you are not used to it, but it will grow on you. And it is a great anti-oxidant and good for losing weight too! In ancient china, a book was written more than 4000 years ago which extolled the use of green tea for " positive effect on the five vital organs, especially the heart. The book discusses tea's medicinal qualities, which include easing the effects of alcohol , curing blotchiness, quenching thirst, eliminating indigestion, preventing fatigue, and improving brain function. "( quoted from the wiki). If it worked then, it works now! I do not know about modern claims and tests, but I know for a fact that green tea does help me calm down.

4. Go for a short walk:

 If your office has a landscaped space, take a break. Go for a short walk. Notice the greenery, Notice things around you. Try to find three beautiful things. Take a picture of them! Capture the moment. This little break tricks your brain into activating that part of it, not used when you are at work. This can work if you work from home too.

5.Look into the mirror and give a WIDE smile to yourself:

Make sure no-one is around when you do it! Look into the mirror and meet your own eyes. Tell yourself that you are awesome! Long time back I had watched the video of a little girl do this exercise. It was amazing what she did without the slightest bit of hesitation or self-consciousness! (I do not remember where I saw it.(I tried searching for it but could not find it. If any of you know what I am talking about, please do share the link with me). Yes, you ARE awesome and you deserve a smile!Go ahead and reward yourself--give an extra large smile..Like this:



There---you are smiling too aren't you?
trust me when I say that smiling is infectious :).
Whatever it is that is bothering you, this too shall pass!

So here you have it--my five instant pick-me-ups. Simple but really effective.They always work for me.
Try them and tell me if they work for you too.

_____________________________________________________________________

If you like my blog, you might enjoy my books :) Grab them here. (You don't need a credit card. You can pay cash on delivery) or if you are an Amazon Fan, you can grab them here
 And you can interact with me on my FB page. I almost always reply :)



Comments

  1. Superb...Music and deep breathing really helps..now some motivation to try the others too :)

    ReplyDelete
  2. Its 8.15 p.m,I am still at work, totally stressed,rushing to meet a deadline. Took a breather and decided to read a few blogs.
    This post couldnt have come at a better time !
    You"ve got ESP or something :P

    ReplyDelete
  3. Your Smile theory really worked on me. i was having a real tough day and then i saw you pick me up blog and your big smile. Smiling is really infectious.thank you

    ReplyDelete
  4. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Good one Preeti! Music does have an effect! Song of the day for me is dreams-cranberries! :)

    ReplyDelete
  6. Every point is easy to do and can do wonders. Really nice post!:)

    ReplyDelete
  7. Another wonderful post from you Preeti...I do follow 3 of them,will try the others too...

    ReplyDelete
  8. I have been following your marathon from day 1 and I must tel u it gives so much of positive energy after going your articles..just love the way u write and inspire people...!!!!!

    ReplyDelete
  9. Forgiven not forgotten! You got me with that one.

    I am Norah Jones addict though.

    ReplyDelete
  10. I like the smile part. :) It indeed brought a BIG smile on my face :)

    ReplyDelete
  11. Yup! Rightly said. Music is everything for me! It actually can make me do anything. :D

    And I can actually do the other four things while listening to music. :P

    ReplyDelete
  12. Anonymous1:43 AM

    I was feeling I had missed something all through the day. And I remembered just now: YOUR BLOG POST!! I'd taken a vow to not miss any post, but sad that it's the next day already when I'm reading this (Albeit by an hour). I'll not miss it again. Thanx for such a wonderful post! =D

    ReplyDelete
  13. MUSIC...it is really the best 'pick-me-up'...and I mix it with some dance also:) If I am too frustrated/angry...then its Hip-Hop, if I am sad/feeling low...then its classical:)

    Deep breathing calms your mind and body...and it helps in focusing on the current situation. I usually do this when I am stuck at work...when some data doesn't tally, before going for presentations or before a Video Call. It helps a lot:)

    I even try cleaning and talking to my plants.

    Last but not the least...I spend time with my 5yr old...!!!!

    ALL THE BEST ..!!!! and God Bless
    Love
    Gayu

    ReplyDelete
  14. Wonderfull post... I love drinking green tea it gives instant energy(but used to have it with little sugar today on ws i try without sugar) and the other four are also going on my practies...

    Realy ur my positive energy... Thanks to god for having u....

    ReplyDelete
  15. Anonymous11:34 AM

    i read the chat story on your tumblr. So touching, it amost had me in tears. Is it a true story?

    ReplyDelete
  16. Your smile is indeed a million dollar smile :)
    makes me smile too!

    ReplyDelete
  17. Why green tea without sugar?
    I guess lemon is good though..

    Nice post!

    ReplyDelete
  18. Nice post..good song..and a wonderful smile :)

    The new template is good too!!

    Have a great day..

    ReplyDelete
  19. Anonymous1:56 PM

    You forgot to add ... Looking at the pretty flowers in ur garden ... now there's an instant pick-me-up for ya ! :)

    ReplyDelete

Post a Comment

Thanks for stopping by. I really appreciate your leaving a comment! Okay--I appreciate your leaving a comment if you have something nice to say ;-)