10 simple ways to treat yourself to a moment of relaxation

The simplest of treats and pleasures can become a deeper moment of rest and calm, with a pause, a deeper breath and really enjoying exploring everyday objects and uncomplicated gifts with an open and curious mind and an invitation to use all of your senses to appreciate them.

1.    Chocolate:

Make a delicious small bar of chocolate a mindful moment by pausing to experience it with all your senses. Look at the packaging before you open it – notice the colour and how you feel about it. Pause to notice the sound as you open the wrapper. Breathe in the smell of the chocolate. Feel it between your fingers and look at the chocolate inside with calm curiosity. Taste it – slowly taking the chocolate to your lips and holding in your mouth before you chew and swallow and then eat the rest slowly, considerately and mindfully. 

2.    Candle:

Place a candle on a safe fire proof surface and use it for a candle meditation. Let your gaze softly focus on the fame flickering and allow your thoughts and feelings to fade. Imagine any negative thoughts, habits or feelings being transformed by the flame. Watch how the air and your breath, bring a flicker to the flame and blow the candle out at the end with a wish for your future.

3. Bath Bomb:

Use a bath bomb, foam bath or shower gel to enjoy getting very present when you wash, leave your worries outside the bathroom and let this be a moment just for you.

Don't 'take anyone' in the bath or shower with you (in your thoughts!) - you'll be surprised who's in there (in your mind) with you. Instead focus on the pleasant feeling of the water and soap on your skin, breathe in the fragrance and notice what that invokes. Observe the textures of skin, water, soap. Listen to the sounds around you and watch the water flowing and bubbles forming. Mindfully and deliberately and use this product to bring you to the moment now – away from worries about the future or anxieties about the past – breathe deep in through your nose and enjoy.

4. Hand moisturiser:

Take time to moisturise your hands and give thanks to your hands for all they do for you, every day, and all that they have made possible for you in your life so far. Pay them some attention with the way you add the moisturiser or balm to your skin, gently and considerately.

5.    Mindful tea: 

Make each cup of tea a mindful moment and pause to take in the experience from opening the packet to pouring in the hot water and watching the colour spread into the water. Listen to the sounds of the kettle and the water, and observe the temperature of the cup. Deeply breathe in the aroma before you finally taste and appreciate your cup of tea.

6. Seeds:

Planting and time in the garden - or just potting plants on window sills can be a joyously mindful experience. Connecting you to the earth and simple pleasures of watching something grow. Touching and stepping on the earth, helps us to ground, feel more centred and present. Notice any frustrations or impatience that arises and invite it to pass with your breath, coming back to appreciate the act of sowing seeds.

7. Positive affirmations: 

Yes, you are awesome, and you can also choose what affirmations you want to repeat to bring strength and energy to your day. Explore mantras like I am Happy. I am calm. I am strong. I am. Be aware of resistance and judgement and invite that to move away.  What do you need more of in your life right now?  Use an affirmation to help you imagine this wish, as if it was already true.

8. I heart me:

Objects like hearts and rainbows will have powerful meanings and associations. When you see a heart, do you think of love? Do you remember to whisper words of love and kindness to yourself as much as you support others? What happens when you whisper to yourself, 'I love you and I am listening'. When you see a rainbow, what thoughts, emotions and physical feelings arise? Just be present to all of these and give yourself a moment to see how these sensations and judgements pass.

9. What smells good?

Scent is a powerful trigger to memory and moments of joy in your past. Explore how ordinary objects can transport you to holiday destinations, happy childhood memories and feelings of peace and contentment just through a smell. Unless you have an allergy or negative memory most people will discover that the smell of:

   lemons help with feelings of calm and concentration,

   oranges trigger happiness chemicals like dopamine

   mint helps focus and digestion

   chocolate triggers dopamine

   tea tree triggers feelings of healing

   tomatoes have a scent that is both spicy and sweet, earthy and fresh that is often associated with childhood and exploration

Be aware of how much everyday objects and smells can enhance (or upset) your mood.

10. Make walking and movement mindful

Everyday movement and walking can be an opportunity to reconnect with your body, move out of 'tense' postures caused by being sedentary. Sit and stand tall, stretch and observe everyday movement with a greater awareness of sensation, posture and letting tension move away from you, by simply moving more.

As the saying goes: Live in the present, and make it so beautiful that it will be worth remembering. Simply taking notice of the little things, with awareness, and use of all of your senses, you are likely to find a calmer, more happiness inducing shift into balance, to your everyday.