I often times struggle with relaxing, I guess you could say I’m a bit of an compulsive workaholic. There have been countless times when the kids have said to me… “Mom, just go to bed already”  “You need to take a break and stop working so hard”, or  “When are you going to relax?”

I’m much like other creatives,entrepreneurs, and working women around-the-world. Many of us have a hard time resting our minds. It’s common for us to entangle our mental space with a multitude of ideas and concepts; or get inundated with our day-to-day #hustles + #happenings. When we’re in our zone trying to make things happen, sleep and anything associated with relaxation is an after thought.  We’re easily overtaken by what I call #SuccessStress… it’s when you get so caught up in accomplishing your goals, and focusing on your vision, that you become unknowingly tense and restless.

Though our dreams and goals are important, it’s also important for us to take care of ourselves. In order to live happy, healthy, productive lives; our mind and body needs a little time-off, with benefits. Think of it as a {MBP} “Mental Benefits Package”, similar to the Employee Benefits Package we receive at work.  Your #MBP should consist of activities and experiences that promote relaxation and mental rejuvenation.  Developing a MBP is the optimal solution to strengthening + recharging your mind, body and spirit.  In- turn, you’ll become even more productive, and visibly  happier.

If you’re struggling to think of ways to relax that don’t involve boarding  the next flight to Paradise,  no worries, I’ve got you covered!

 

Try a new recipe for Breakfast, Dinner or Dessert. I recently made delicious Funnel Cake Fries, and finger licking good Crab Rangoon. I tell you what, I have absolutely NO regrets. Both of these recipes were fun to make, + they required minimal effort.

Take a long relaxing bubble bath, but don’t stop at putting bubbles in the water. Go all out! I’m talking Dr. Teals Epsom Salt, Candles,  Your Favorite Bath Bomb, or Bath & Body Works fragrance, Magazines, Strawberries, Grapes, + Chocolate (in case you get the munchies, of course:),  Smooth R+B or Jazz–the works!

DIY Makeup Session– I’ve done this countless times, and it’s lots of fun. I guess that’s because I’m a bit obsessed with makeup how-to’s.  But then again, who isn’t?

Tip:  Find a youtube tutorial that you like and try your hand at mastering the featured look- such a fun way to learn and prepare for your next date with the Mr. or your SOS

Sometimes the best stress reliever is getting up, and getting active. Take a walk, run or jog around town. 

Login to Pinterest and choose one of those beautiful DIY pins you’ve been wanting to make, and hop to it. No excuses, just go for it. There’s nothing like that winning feeling you get after a successful Pinterest DIY.

Get a book of crossword puzzles and tune out the world

Make some abstract Art to hang in your office or cubicle

Have a Netflix Marathon- and make fresh buttery popcorn. Pair it with your favorite glass of wine and drift off into T.V. land.  yaass

“Treat Yo Self”— go to a luxury, ambient spa, and get a 90 minute massage

Take a leisure bike ride around the city. Grab your headphones, your sneakers, bottled water and your sunnies. It’s time to hit the road, two-wheel style!

Curl up on the couch with a good page-turner

Brush up on your dance moves- I’ve been contemplating taking ballroom dancing myself– it seems really sophisticated and fun! Besides, I think I’ve just about maxed-out my two-step limit

Pour a glass of wine + thumb through your favorite magazines. If you really want to get crafty with it, you can use the magazines to create a wardrobe Inspiration vision board

Attend a festival- Coachella, anyone?

Attend a natural hair expo or Meet + Greet with your bestie. There’s nothing like getting together with old friends + meeting new ones

watch your favorite childhood movie or catch a matinee at the theater

BONUS: Do something amazing for someone else- it’s always great to make someone’s day.  No need to wait for a special occasion, be spontaneous.