| It is a while since I went on vacation and it is | | | | valuable life. Doing things that reflect that make us |
| mid-winter in Sydney so, this morning I went to the | | | | feel fulfilled. And of course, a change is as good as a |
| seaside. I drove 30 minutes and walked my dogs by | | | | rest. Spend time near water, the beach, a river, a |
| the beach instead of the usual amble around the | | | | lake or a fountain. Buy some crayons and paper; |
| block or visit to the local park. I returned completely | | | | create something visual. Meditate. Go somewhere |
| refreshed, uplifted and inspired to write this article | | | | you have never been before. Observe nature, a |
| about finding ways to shift your perspective from | | | | goldfish swimming in a bowl or the trees blowing in |
| work to making time for yourself. | | | | the wind. Do something for someone you love. Take |
| Take a break | | | | a slow walk with no destination. Read a book. Visit a |
| Fight the urge to fill your diary completely and have | | | | friend. Spend time on yourself. |
| back to back appointments. If we do not stop, our | | | | Create a Sacred Space |
| adrenaline system gets locked into an unhealthy cycle | | | | Make part of your home into a refuge or retreat |
| and stress builds up.o Make space between | | | | that is special for you and only shared with others if |
| appointments to allow creative ideas to flow in.o | | | | you give them permission. Purify the area with a |
| After each activity spend 5 minutes reviewing what | | | | ceremonial smudging stick available from new age |
| went well and what you learned.o Get away from | | | | and health shops. Sit, be still and meditate to make |
| your desk and take a walk outside.o Speak to | | | | the space yours. Paint the walls or hang some fabric |
| someone you don't normally converse with.o Get a | | | | to identify it as a special place. Get a comfy chair, |
| green plant for your desk or buy some flowers for | | | | some cushions or a bean bag. Place a small table |
| yourselfo Look around you as if you are seeing | | | | where you can put favourite artefacts. Collect items |
| things for the first time.o Smile whilst you are on the | | | | that connect with each of your senses: herbal teas |
| phone. | | | | or lollies, aroma blends or flowers, pictures and |
| Have a mini holiday | | | | ornaments, different textures and an open window |
| Schedule a rest day and do something that will | | | | or air purifier. Spend time here regularly. Keep a |
| refresh you. Sometimes to claim some work life | | | | notebook and pen handy for writing a journal or |
| balance we need to thing about what constitutes a | | | | gratitude diary. |