To live a well balanced, rewarding life of our dreams by day and sleep restfully at night.
Having some “tools” in our “toolbox” to relax
Published October 18, 2012 | 
I know I am relaxed when:
1. I am still
2. It is quiet
3. or some of my favorite music is playing…
I know I am really relaxed when:
4. It is noisy and chaotic and I am still calm, quiet, and centered inside…
Yes, it is quite peaceful when:
5. I am enjoying my glass of wine, Twittering, Facebooking, Pinteresting, or blogging with my cat at my side, and
6. The good smell of a chicken soup is simmering on the stove.
7. My mind is truly in the now
8. I am loving and affectionate with my husband and daughter
9. I am basically happy with my current situation…
10. I feel that my life is working.
What a grand state to be in!
My biggest goal and our mission here at The Warm Milk Journal is:
To live a well balanced, rewarding life of our dreams by day and sleep restfully at night.
I really believe that in order to do this we need to be relaxed as much as possible….
What do you do to relax? If stress and anxiety is getting to us and affecting our peace of mind and sleep then we need to develop a tool box which we can pull out at anytime….
I will share a few “tools” with you that really help me stay centered and relaxed:
1. Not take anything too seriously (this seems to be getting easier for me as I am getting older). In the end, very few things truly matter. What is really important? The rest?… let it go!
2. I affirm what I want for myself. If I am not feeling well, I affirm my good health and vibrancy. If there is not a lot of money currently in my bank account, I observe, acknowledge, and give thanks for all of the abundance that manifests in my life all of the time!
3. I work on taking a mellow, gentle, and kind way when going about my business with others (including my family, friends, students, colleagues, and community members). Even if upset with someone (including my bank or other company), I think that it really is easier to attract bees with honey than with vinegar.
4. I work hard and play hard. At the end of the day, I am happy to be home to relax.
5. I love to embrace the seasons. Now, in early fall, I am so excited about lighting candles, cooking, and enjoying a nice glass of red wine…
I have many more “tools” in my toolbox that can wait for another day or post…
For now, I simply wish for you:
Peace,
Love,
Rest,
Some laughter,
A good night of sleep,
and a day full of energy, purpose, and smiles tomorrow!
In Peace,
Debra
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Posted in anxiety, Happiness, Positive living, stress, The Warm Milk Journal, Ways to relax, worry | 
staying centered, ways to relax | 
Leave a commentWays to Relax in the Evening Before Bed
Published May 12, 2012 | 
Many people struggle to fall asleep, often complaining that they can’t turn their brain off. Anxiety and stress are major causes of insomnia. This is why it is so essential to create a relaxing bedtime routine to help you fall asleep quickly.
Let Go Of Your Worries
When lying in bed, many people end up thinking about things rather than falling asleep. It can be difficult to ignore these worries, which is why it is essential to acknowledge them. Try to keep a journal solely for writing down any concerns and worries. This allows you to problem solve during the day, rather than fretting over things at night.
Take Time to Wind Down
Making the transition to sleep time can be difficult. Using the same activities to wind down before bed each night helps to signal your body that it is time for sleep. Try to start this routine about 30 to 60 minutes before you plan to go to bed. These activities should not include light. This is because one of the ways the body differentiates between night and day is by the amount of light. Activities like watching TV and using the computer will actually wake your brain up, rather than relaxing you. Good bedtime activities include reading a book, taking a warm bath, and listening to classical music.
Try Relaxation Exercises
If you still have trouble relaxing after trying the previous suggestions, relaxation exercises may be a good option. These can be especially helpful for individuals with anxiety. One of the best options is deep breathing. Try to take deep breathes that involve your abdomen as slowly as possible. You can visualize a peaceful place while doing this if you desire. Progressive muscle relaxation is another option for easing tension. For this exercise, contract and release each of your muscles, working from one end of the body to the other.
If you are looking for more options to help better your quality of life, you might wish to consider accredited online colleges.
Sources
HelpGuide.org (2012)
Psych Central (2012)
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Good things happen when we make time for ourselves!
Published March 9, 2012 | 
When we make time for ourselves, lot’s of good things happen such as:
1. Renewed energy to give to our families and jobs.
2. Greater health
3. Feeling centered and balanced.
4. Creative juices start flowing
5. Feeling more connected to God or the Divine
6. Realizing your worth
7. Seeing the beauty all around you
8. Getting in touch with all of the many blessings in your life.
Yes, taking time for yourself is definitely worth it. How to pull it off? Like Nike, says: Just Do It!
Just:
1. Take that hot bath before you cook dinner for the family!
2. Establish your personal boundaries and be firm about them. For example, don’t allow colleagues, family members, neighbors, your kids, etc. take more of you than you can healthfully give. Say no to emotional vampires! If you don’t give in to them, they can’t suck the life blood out of you.
I really do believe we train others how to treat us. This is an issue worth working on!
3. Take an occasional mental day off from work. Why wait to be sick to take a sick day?
4. If there is a class you’ve always wanted to try, why not sign up for it? (Something comes in mind for me: dance fitness. I have been wanting to do this for years. It is time to do it!)
5. Sit outside with a book, magazine, or journal. There is just something about being part of nature. A few minutes out on my little back patio does wonders for me. I gaze up into the tall pine trees over our home, listen to the birds, enjoy the neighbors’ blooming azaleas, feel the breeze…ahhh..bliss!
In Peace,
Debra 
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Ten ideas to relax at night
Published August 17, 2010 | 
After a long day of work (or play!), we need time to unwind and settle into our evening. What are some ways that you like to relax at night?
Here are a few ideas that come to mind:
- Sip on a nice glass of wine
- Cook a nice meal while listening to jazz music
- Cuddle up next to sweetie on couch and watch our latest Netflix movie
- Take a leisurely stroll after dinner
- Stretch and do yoga on living room floor
- Play with cats
- Give partner back rub with nice massage oil
- take a bath
- read
- write
I could keep going but I like you to get your own list going… enjoy your evening! ; )
Debra
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Winding Down
Published April 29, 2010 | Many of us after a day of work, getting the family fed, catching up on a few household chores, paying the bills, bathing kids etc. are ready for some down time before going to bed. What kind of activities do we choose? Watching the evening news? Watching movies with a lot of excitement and violence in them? Playing video games? Catching up on emails?
Instead of participating in anxiety inducing activities, we can try activities such as these instead:
- reading something heartwarming or inspirational
- reading something fairly mindless and relaxing like a magazine
- do a puzzle
- play scrabble
- crochet, knit, scrapbook
- write: creative writing, writing in a journal, writing letters
- meditate
- gentle yoga
- easy evening stroll
- take a bath
- listen to soothing music
- play with your cat or dog
- draw, color, or paint
- play an instrument
- slow dance with your spouse or partner
- give and receive a massage with your partner
- make love
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