6 Tiny Pick-Me-Ups to Polish Your Sunbeam

I want my virtual friends to know, I've been absent on your blogs, Twitter, and Facebook lately, because my mom passed away last week. I've spent several days in November and December in Michigan in order to be with her during her final days. As I spend time grieving, I'll continue to have other wonderful bloggers share their wisdom!

Help me welcome Jane from Teeny Tiny Pieces. I know you'll enjoy her as much as I do.

From time to time we can all use a little extra polish on our sunbeam. Even people who are generally happy can feel lethargic, blue, or out of sync at times.

Implementing tiny pick-me-ups throughout your day can have a big impact on your outlook.

Here are six quick, free, and easy ways to feel happier instantly.

  1. Butterfly Pats ~ Give yourself butterfly pats! It's a simple way to stimulate your lymphatic system and redirect your thought patterns.  Cross your arms so that your hands rest on the opposite bicep.  Briskly alternate pats for as long as it feels good.  You may actually feel the tension from your torso release, carrying up your body through your head.  Did you catch yourself smiling? Nice!
  2. Chimes and Bells ~ The vibration from ringing bells or chimes fills our space and awakens our senses.   The vibration actually enters our body and triggers relaxation and awareness.  Consider keeping a tiny chime in your favorite relaxation space …  maybe on the doorknob.  When you enter or exit the room, you'll get a little dose of spirit-lifting vibrations.
  3. Nutritious Food ~ For a quick, delicious, and healthy dose of carbs, broil almost any vegetable, doused in olive oil and sprinkled with salt, pepper, and your favorite herbs.  Your blood sugar will rise slightly, naturally, rather than spiking and dropping.  Your taste buds will be delighted, and the warmth of earthly goodness will nourish your tummy.
  4. Windmills ~ It turns out that your middle school gym teacher did know a thing or two about being well!  Windmills stretch our tight back and hamstrings, and increase our heart and lung activity.  Motions that force us to cross the center of our body, like windmills and butterfly pats,  can reset our thought patterns and increase brain activity.  Step into the sunshine and do a dozen windmills. Maybe it will feel so good that a dozen just isn't enough.
  5. Create Something ~ You don't need to create a masterpiece in order to generate a little happiness.  Sketch a quick picture, rearrange your mantle, add a candle to your workspace, change out the bedspread and pillows on your bed, write for five minutes without thinking or stopping. Activating the right side of your brain will give you a break from problem-solving, and sometimes allows you to see new solutions you hadn't previously considered.
  6. Music ~ Put on your favorite!  Sing, dance, laugh … invite pleasure into your space.  If it feels great, do it again tomorrow!

These are six of my favorite pick-me-ups.  I  hope you'll take just a moment to share your ideas for a quick dose of happiness.  We're all in this together!

Jane is a busy mom, writer, artist, student of Healing Touch International, education consultant, and the creator of Teeny Tiny Pieces … along the path to wholeness. The most important pieces along her path to wholeness are her family, good nutrition, meditative and creative time, and long relaxing hikes with her sweet doggie, Annie.

Comments on this entry are closed.

  • Bryce Christiansen December 15, 2010, 9:00 am

    I love your list.

    Here are 6 pick me ups that always seem to do the trick.

    1. Read a book: I often have more books than I can read. So it is always nice to get an hour to dig into a good book.
    2. Play a game: Getting some friends together to play cards or a board game always leaves me in better spirits.
    3. Take a drive: Sometimes just getting out of the house on a weekend is a good way to get the change in pace I need.
    4. Go out for a dessert: Going out for a meal can be costly, but getting a shake, slice of pie, or some ice cream are all great for a pick me up.
    5. Walk the dog: Having a companion by your side is priceless when it comes to walks.
    6. Pick up the house: Although the reward doesn’t usually come till after the fact. Having a clean house is always an uplifting experience.

  • Dandy December 15, 2010, 9:35 am

    Hi Jane,
    Thanks for making me think of the things that polish my sunbeam! My list is:
    Calling my sister, she always makes me laugh.
    Doing some sort of craft, I love creating even if it doesn’t turn out.
    Playing with my puppy, her exuberance is catching.
    Reading a trashy romance novel, pure escape.
    Hearing my 4 year old nephews sweet voice as he tells me he loves me!

    Tess, I’m so sorry about your loss. I know what you are going through. You are in my thoughts and prayers!

    Dandy
    .

    • Jane Rochelle December 15, 2010, 9:47 am

      Hi Dandy,
      Thanks for sharing your list!

      I do love time with my sisters, too! I live about 3 hours away from them, so when I visit we always try to make some ‘coffee-shop time’!

      My doggie is almost 3 years old now, but still as sweet as a puppy. Her unconditional love is one of the best bits of sunshine I can think of (and absolutely free)! Thanks for reminding me to give Annie an extra hug tonight!!

      Take good care, and keep shining!
      ~Jane
      .-= Jane Rochelle´s last post…Wishcasting Wednesday- How do you wish to soar =-.

  • Jane Rochelle December 15, 2010, 9:42 am

    Hi Bryce,

    Thanks so much for stopping by, and thanks just as much for sharing your list! They’re great suggestions!

    Sometimes giving myself time to read a book is such a treat … and I love that reading transports me to a time and place of my choosing. We also love taking drives and going out for dessert (or picking up our favorite dessert and enjoying it at home with a cup of hot tea).

    I do love playing board games, but seem to have been born into a circle of non-board-game-playing folks, so I’ll have to work on making a place for that in my life.

    Thanks for the ideas … wishing you a bit of sparkle on your sunbeam!
    Take good care ~
    Jane
    .-= Jane Rochelle´s last post…Wishcasting Wednesday- How do you wish to soar =-.

  • Susan December 15, 2010, 10:16 am

    …Butterfly pats…yes, smiling right now!

    Thanks for sharing!
    .-= Susan´s last post…Do One Creative Thing Each Day =-.

  • Jane Rochelle December 15, 2010, 10:24 am

    Butterfly Pats are the most amazing thing! So very simple, and they really do work … just saying it makes me smile. Hey, wasn’t it just last week that we said “butterflies happen”?
    🙂
    .-= Jane Rochelle´s last post…Wishcasting Wednesday- How do you wish to soar =-.

  • The Exception December 15, 2010, 10:27 am

    What a great list –
    Mine would include…
    Sing a song
    Snuggle with a cat
    Read a book
    Do a little dance
    Laugh
    Do Metta
    Create, smile, think, be helpful or kind, and read!!

    My thoughts are with you Tess.

    • Jane Rochelle December 15, 2010, 10:35 am

      NIce list ~ I love it! What is Metta? I’m not familiar with that.
      …. and laughter really is awesome medicine, isn’t it?!
      Thanks so much for stopping by, take good care~
      Jane
      .-= Jane Rochelle´s last post…Wishcasting Wednesday- How do you wish to soar =-.

  • Lori December 15, 2010, 11:42 am

    Tess,
    You’re presence in our lives is such a gift. Rest easy, relax, enjoy, and process. What a treasure to spend so much quality time with your mom during some of the most important days of her life. You are on my mind and in my heart.

    Jane,
    Nice to meet you! I’m on board with your list. I love the term ‘Butterfly pats’ and I find music to be one of the highest-impact healing modalities I’ve used. I can’t leave without saying that I adore the photo. Is that you with a baby goat? (((heart is melting!)))
    As for a quick dose of happiness, I like to light a candle or watch a funny video I made of me with my hubs. I love to laugh. 😉

    Thanks again, lovelies!
    ~xo
    .-= Lori´s last post…The Day in Review =-.

    • Jane Rochelle December 15, 2010, 11:55 am

      Hi Lori, Thanks so much for stopping by … I’m glad to see you! Butterfly pats are new to me, but I do love them, and they most always make me smile!

      Yes, that’s me with the baby goat. She was just 3 days old. The picture was taken at the wonderful farm where we buy raw goats milk. The drive to the farm is just beautiful! I’m not sure which is more delicious, the milk, or the trip out to the farm to buy it!

      Take good care, and I hope to see you again soon ~
      Jane
      .-= Jane Rochelle´s last post…Wishcasting Wednesday- How do you wish to soar =-.

      • Lori December 15, 2010, 12:21 pm

        Aww, that’s just darling! (The baby goat and the beautiful drive you described.) I grew up on a farm in the Midwest, and I can see in my mind’s eye such beautiful scenery: the peace, the quiet, the growing plants in the garden. I could actually hear the corn growing! Again, great to meet you and welcome to the huddle. 🙂

  • Peggy Nolan December 15, 2010, 1:44 pm

    I LOVE your six pick me ups!

    Here are mine:

    1. With my husband deployed, one sure way to lift myself up is to send him an IM on Skype Mobile. I have it on my phone so I can send him a quick message. He’s online once or twice a week, so it’s a pick me up for him, too!

    2. Getting down with my 18 month old grand daughter. As soon as I get home from work, there she is ( my son-in-law is deployed, too…so my daughter and grand daughter are living with me) Nothing like baby giggles to pick me right up!

    3. Sun Salutations…sort of like windmills! Great way to cure the sluggishness, get the blood flowing, and feel energized! I do as many as my mind, body, and spirit need!

    4. Read! Right now I’m reading “Queen Hereafter, the Story of Queen Margaret of Scotland.”

    5. Music – there’s nothing like good music while I’m writing. Last night I was listening to The Black Keys and my writing seemed to just flow!

    6. Clearing the clutter – this is a huge pick me up for me. I have a small writing space in my bedroom and it tends to get cluttered (guilty!!) Last night I went through my stack, put things away, made sure my favorite doo-dads were visible, and I felt so much better when I sat down to write!
    .-= Peggy Nolan´s last post…Ground Hog Day =-.

    • Jane Rochelle December 15, 2010, 2:04 pm

      Hey there, Peggy! Thanks so much for sharing your list! I hopped over to your blog and love your story on your About page. Magic!

      I love Sun Salutations, too. I just do whatever feels good at the moment. My favorite is to go outside in the early dawn and stretch in the brisk morning air … though it has been a little too chilly to do it lately.

      Clearing clutter serves so many good purposes. The act of doing it is good for changing thought patterns, and just getting our body moving, and the result gives a nice sense of accomplishment … and walla’ … it looks great too (love the doo-dads)

      Thanks so much for stopping by, and best of luck with your wonderful crew! Hope to see you again real soon!
      🙂 Jane
      .-= Jane Rochelle´s last post…Wishcasting Wednesday- How do you wish to soar =-.

  • Angela Artemis December 15, 2010, 2:40 pm

    Hi Jane,
    I loved this post!
    What are windmills? I don’t remember learning that in gym class?
    I’m going to try the alternating pats though.
    Now that you’ve mentioned wind chimes and tinkly bells – no I know what’s been absent from my temporary new quarters! My little bells that I had on several different doors in my house. I didn’t realize how powerful those soothing sounds were – and I miss them.

    Thank you so much for bringing all these much needed ways to “polish my sunbeam” to my attention!
    .-= Angela Artemis´s last post…Why You Should Give New Year’s Resolutions the Boot! =-.

  • Jane Rochelle December 15, 2010, 2:56 pm

    Sooo glad you realized you’re missing your bells. I had packed mine away in the springtime when I was preparing for the move that never happened … recently I finally just had to find my tiny windchimes. Sometimes I keep them on the lamp switch, so that when I turn the lamp on and off they tinkle … other times on the doorknob. I love them. I also have a brass bell that always hung on my grandmother’s kitchen door. Such simple, sweet sounds!

    Well, windmills are when you stand with your feet a little more than shoulder width apart, and your arms are extended out to each side (so that you look kind-of like the classic Da Vinci sketch) and you bend at the middle to touch the opposite toe. At this point in life, I don’t worry about whether my knees are straight, or whether I actually touch my toes, just the crossing and the stretching feel so good! You’ll bend, then stand back upright after each one. Let me know what you think.

    Take good care, dear!
    .-= Jane Rochelle´s last post…Wishcasting Wednesday- How do you wish to soar =-.

  • Megan "JoyGirl!" Bord December 15, 2010, 6:26 pm

    I’m so glad you explained what windmills are, because I had pictured it totally different in my head! I’m going to try some when I finish this comment.

    I loved all six of the suggestions you offered, and since December 1, have needed them! Thank you. I also really enjoyed the pace with which you wrote this post. You’re a phenomenal writer.

    Keep it up, Jane!

    Tess, loving you lots – always.
    .-= Megan “JoyGirl!” Bord´s last post…The Blessings of Each New Moment =-.

    • Jane Rochelle December 15, 2010, 8:38 pm

      Hi Megan,
      I’m wondering how you liked the windmills!? Hope you found them to be relaxing and that they brought a bright spot to your day.

      Thanks so much for your kind words. I love writing, and am so thrilled to be meeting so many beautiful new people here today!

      Take good care, Megan, and I hope to see you again soon!
      ~ Jane

  • Katie December 15, 2010, 6:49 pm

    Much love to you, Tess.

    Jane, I find your pick-me-ups simply delightful. I tried the butterfly pats and to my surprise I was smiling and feeling quite happy immediately. I’ll use that when I’m sitting back thinking with my arms folded. A little butterfly pat to lighten the mood. Some of my favourite pick-me-ups include; serving things (even my vitamins) in tiny oriental dishes, lounging with family in the hot tub, evening walks through the neighbourhood and trips out to get some gourmet sorbet. Thanks Jane.
    .-= Katie´s last post…Give Yourself the Ultimate Gift- You =-.

    • Jane Rochelle December 15, 2010, 8:44 pm

      Hi Katie,

      It’s so good to see your smiling face, and I’m so happy you liked the Butterfly Pats … isn’t that an amazing little technique? It’s also a great thing to teach children.

      Oh, I love little dishes (anything tiny, you know) Tiny pieces, as well as pure white serving pieces are just delightful! We also love the hot tub at ‘our cabin’, which isn’t really ours, but we love it as if it were … in the mountains of North Carolina.

      Thanks for sharing your tips, Katie. Thanks most of all for stopping by … so happy you did!

      Take special care, Katie ~
      Jane

  • Sandra Lee December 15, 2010, 7:05 pm

    Jane,

    What a precious photo!

    These are great! I’m all for butterfly pats (makes me breathe) and windmills. I need these tiny physical pick me ups throughout the days. Thanks, I really appreciate these simple, do-able ideas.

    Tess – A big hug for you!
    .-= Sandra Lee´s last post…One Powerful Word- A Simple Approach to New Year’s Resolutions =-.

    • Jane Rochelle December 15, 2010, 8:50 pm

      Hi Sandra,
      Thanks so much for taking a moment to write. I’m glad to see you!

      Glad you like the ideas, and hope you’ll be benefit from them. Most are easy enough to do anywhere, even in your car … shouldn’t try windmills when you’re driving though!

      Gotta’ love the baby goat! Maybe you saw in my response to Lori’s comment, that the little goat was only 3 days old. My friend who raises the goats tries to hold them as much as possible in their first days, as that makes them more gentle with humans when they grow up. I was more than happy to do my part!

      Take good care, Sandra, and I hope to see you again soon!
      ~ Jane

  • Ande Waggener December 15, 2010, 7:32 pm

    Jane, these are wonderful tips! I am now officially a fan of butterfly pats! 🙂 Three of my favorite pick-me-ups are

    1. Cuddling with my dog.

    2. Taking a long, hot soak in the jetted tub.

    3. Singing at the top of my lungs. 🙂

    Tess, I send you loving, healing energy and the knowing that your mother now and always will be in pure, endless joy.

    • Jane Rochelle December 15, 2010, 8:58 pm

      Hi Ande,

      I’m glad you liked the butterfly pats! They’re a new technique for me, but I’ve really taken to them, and find that they really help keep me grounded. As I told Katie above, they’re also a great technique to teach children. I’m loving all of the butterfly pat comments … I can almost hear the pat of each beautiful hand, coming from all directions ~

      I think I’d love cuddling with that sweet doggie in the picture, too! Mine is a shepherd mix, but she’s quite a snuggle-bug!

      Sing loudly, and raise your heart vibration … smiles to you, Ande ~
      Take good care,
      Jane

  • Alex Blackwell December 16, 2010, 4:04 am

    Thinking of you Tess.

    Thanks for such a happy list Jane – now in the gray of winter I think our sunbeams could use this polish.

    Alex

    • Jane Rochelle December 16, 2010, 6:32 am

      You’re very welcome, Alex. Hope your day is a bright one! 🙂

  • Lance December 16, 2010, 4:32 am

    Tess,
    Love and hugs to you…

    Jane,
    Music is such a wonderful pick me up for me! And today…I am going to create something new!! I’ll just let my heart lead me to it…and create…for me…mmm, wonderful!!

    I polish my sunbeam (I LOVE that phrase!) by:
    – Lying in the grass, gazing into the sky (today that would probably result in the making of some snow angels around here!)
    – Sing along to some of the music…
    – Stand/sit in the sun. Especially in the winter, letting the sun pour over my body is like opening the door to let the joy in!!
    .-= Lance´s last post…New Rules For Life =-.

  • Jane Rochelle December 16, 2010, 6:37 am

    Hi Lance, I’m so glad to see you here today! The earth and sky are amazing pick-me-ups (as well as keep-me-grounded’s). Wishing you a time of creativity and a happy heart!
    ~ Jane

  • Betsy at Zen Mama December 16, 2010, 9:53 am

    First of all, Tess I’m so sorry about your mother. That leaves a big hole in anyone’s life no matter how old a parent is. I’ll be thinking of you.

    Jane, I love your pick me up ideas. I’ll be trying them a lot this week to relieve the Christmas stress!

    Thanks!
    Betsy

    • Jane Rochelle December 16, 2010, 5:58 pm

      Hi Betsy, Thanks so much for taking a moment to leave a comment. Hope the tips will add a bit of shine to your holidays!
      Take good care
      ~ Jane

  • Steven | The Emotion Machine December 16, 2010, 12:23 pm

    I like the advice on using chimes and bells to awaken the senses. I want to get a Tibetan singing bowl soon.
    .-= Steven | The Emotion Machine´s last post…Interview- Reclaim Your Dreams with Jonathan Mead =-.

    • Jane Rochelle December 16, 2010, 6:02 pm

      I’ve always enjoyed chimes and bells, but didn’t learn until recently that they can raise our energy. I would love to learn more about singing bowls, too. Hope you’ll let me know when you get one, and how you like it!
      Thanks so much for stopping by!
      Take good care,
      Jane

  • Nea | Self Improvement Saga December 16, 2010, 2:33 pm

    Oh I just loved the butterfly pats. I’ve added that to my list of feel good techniques. Thank you so much for sharing. One of my pick me ups is coloring. It’s so childlike that people probably think I’m nuts; however, I love it. I grab my Care Bears coloring book and use the brightest crayons in the bunch. Feels awesome!
    .-= Nea | Self Improvement Saga´s last post…50 Ways to Give Back and Make the World a Better Place =-.

    • Jane Rochelle December 16, 2010, 6:06 pm

      Nea, Thanks so much for sharing your sweet pick-me-up. I love coloring, too. I was tickled to learn that my son’s girlfriend colors, and that when my son was recently really tired and stressed out from studying (he graduates from VA Tech tomorrow) she had him color. THAT makes a mama happy!
      Thanks for the smiles!
      ~ Jane

  • Lauren December 16, 2010, 3:11 pm

    Dear Tess & Jane,

    Tess, I just read about your loss of your Mom and my thoughts are with you. Having lost my Dad, who is very precious to me, I understand what it’s like to travel that road. May you find comfort in your friends and family.

    Jane, lovely suggestions for re-energizing. I have been keeping a hula hoop in the corner of my living room and sometimes I step away from the computer, put on fun, uplifting music, and hula hoop.

    Also, I have an African drum in the corner and pick that up and play to the music.

    Sage and incense is also great.

    Thanks for other great ideas!
    Lauren

    • Jane Rochelle December 16, 2010, 6:10 pm

      Oh Lauren … I’ve been thinking of getting a hula hoop (the hesitation … finding the ‘right’ kind … sounds silly, but, any suggestions?) I understand that it’s relaxing, increases our vibration, and is great exercise!

      My husband has a drum … we could hula hoop and drum up some fun together!

      Thanks so much for stopping by! It’s great to see you here!
      ~ Jane

  • Jannie Funster December 16, 2010, 3:39 pm

    So sorry about the passing of your mother. There is no other who can take the place of a mother.

    These are amazing tips. I like the one about the wind chimes best.

    xoxo
    .-= Jannie Funster´s last post…The Unknown Mom — World Premiere =-.

    • Jane Rochelle December 16, 2010, 6:14 pm

      Hi Jannie ~ Love the windchimes! I have a really tiny set, and I keep them either on my dooorknob, or on the turn switch on my lamp. Each time I turn the light on or off, or when I bump the table by accident, I get a happy twinkle!
      Thanks so much for stopping by, it’s great to meet you!
      x’s and o’s right back!
      Jane

  • Katie December 16, 2010, 5:07 pm

    Those teeny, tiny piece steps add up pretty quickly to make a HUGE difference. It can seem really overwhelming if we think of ALL of the changes we need to or “should” make. It’s a lot easier to think of making (and actually make) an itty-bitty change. Great post, thanks for sharing.
    .-= Katie´s last post…Beginning Mindfulness Skills for Therapists =-.

    • Jane Rochelle December 16, 2010, 6:18 pm

      Hi Katie, I’ve found that teeny tiny pieces can make the world a much happier place. From enjoying the little things, to tackling huge tasks in tiny increments, it’s the little things that really work. It’s important to make each moment, each intention count … many moments, back to back, make up a lifetime.
      I’m so glad to see you here, Katie. Wishing you many bits of sunshine to make one big, beautiful sunbeam!
      ~ Jane

  • Carolynn December 16, 2010, 5:40 pm

    So sorry to hear about your Mom, Tess. My father passed away quite suddenly in February. I’m grateful that I made it to his bedside in time to say my goodbyes. Take this time with your Mom and know that you are in our thoughts.

    How I polish my sunbeam during the gray, rain soaked days of winter on the ‘wet’ coast where catching literal sunbeams is not an option:

    1. Enjoying a “furry fix”. Any time spent with an animal is healing balm to my soul.
    2. Creating a peaceful environment in my sanctuary by lighting candles, stoking the fire, and cuddling with my fiance.
    3. Laughter is Big in my world. Gotta have it.
    4. Giving/Getting hugs.
    5. Visiting my friends on line, enjoying their beautiful photographs and profound, insightful viewpoints.
    5 1/2. Taking a moment to count my blessings. Literally. Works every time to refocus my thoughts on what’s really important.
    6. Okay, I’ll admit it….a hot, steamy Mocha coffee with whipped cream will usually put a smile on my face, too.

    Blessings,
    Carolynn

    • Jane Rochelle December 16, 2010, 6:22 pm

      Carolynn,
      Thanks so much for your beautiful list! Kindred spirits … drawn to the same things! I have to admit, that I enjoy peaceful solitude so much that I forget to invite laughter into my world often-enough. Thank you for the gentle reminder to seek laughter, and embrace it’s energy!

      Have a great day … and see about turning those gray clouds to a shimmering shade of silver ~
      Take good care,
      Jane

  • Hilary December 17, 2010, 12:22 am

    Hi Tess .. my thoughts are with you and your family .. Mum’s are special and I often think of you. Those farm memories, childhood dreams, mothers’ dreams for you all .. may you be peaceful and fill your heart with rainbow roses .. with love and thoughts Hilary
    .-= Hilary´s last post…Teeth – Washington- Hippopotamus- Vered- Eastern Europe- Jannie =-.

  • Aileen December 18, 2010, 12:55 am

    Jane, you are pure magic!
    “we can all use a little extra polish on our sunbeam” – your six pick-me-ups are fantastic! Windchimes, music and movement are my favorite tiny pick-me-ups.

    Thank you for sharing these!!

    🙂

    • Jane Rochelle December 18, 2010, 9:07 pm

      Hi Aileen, I’m so glad you liked the pick-me-ups. I’ve been working my way through the list this evening, without even realizing it. I’m grateful for an extra shiny sunbeam tonight 🙂

      I hope your performance is going beautifully … it’s Saturday, and 8:00 in California. Thanks for sharing your light with all who are watching you dance!

      ~ Jane

  • hope December 21, 2010, 9:42 am

    balloons! I find that carry balloons makes you happy and everyone you pass happy too!
    .-= hope´s last post…Inspiration =-.

  • Jane Rochelle December 21, 2010, 9:45 am

    Sweet! Perhaps we should remember that what works for a six year old will likely work for grown-ups! Thanks for the pick-me-up!
    Have a happy day!
    ~ Jane
    .-= Jane Rochelle´s last post…Recovery Seeds &8230 Remove Toxins from Your Body =-.

  • Vidya Sury December 22, 2010, 4:56 am

    I love how you say “reset our thought patterns..” I enjoyed this post. I am definitely trying the butterfly pats and windmills. The others are tried and tested :-). Pick me ups that work for me are: going downstairs and back up (I live on the third floor) so that makes me feel good; browsing a favorite blog (I set a specific time limit for this, or its so easy to get carried away); I cook something simple and quick (very therapeutic and saves time for later); Sometimes I just cut vegetables and store them (time-saver); I clear out one shelf that’s messy (have a teenage son who’s accumulating stuff all the time); I paint or sketch (makes a nice gift) – all this is easy for me because I work out of home – and that needs more discipline that I thought necessary 🙂

  • Jane Rochelle December 22, 2010, 6:25 pm

    Hi Vidya, It’s nice to meet you here …
    Thanks for sharing your tips. I agree that completing little tasks like chopping veggies or cleaning a closet can really change the way we feel. We get a feeling of accomplishment, and probably use both left and right brains in deciding how we’ll approach the task. Love painting and sketching, too. I would love to be able to work at home … I do know that the grass is always greener on the other side, so understand that working from home comes with its challenges as well.
    Well, butterfly pats are something you can do at home while you’re working out that discipline 🙂
    Take good care, and I hope to see you again soon!
    ~ Jane

  • Jane Rochelle December 22, 2010, 6:28 pm

    Tess,
    As the comments trail off on this post, I wanted to thank you for allowing me to spend some time in this beautiful space. I’ve so enjoyed meeting your wonderful readers! Being with them feels like home.

    I’m happy to see that you’ve resumed posting. Know that we’re thinking of you … sending you peaceful, healing thoughts and energy.

    Take good care, Tess, and have a restful holiday ~
    Jane

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