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.

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