5 things Wednesday: ways to unwind after work

Work is challenging at the moment. Its always busy but there seem to be many looming deadlines right now. I got home late and feel quite wired up.

That has motivated me to actively think about ways to unwind. The simple answer woud be to meditate but who can easily sit still after a day on the go, really. Not me.  I'm going to recommend 5 ways to unwind gradually and gently.

1. Have a light, easy but nutritious dinner.
All the way driving home I thought of delicious but elaborate choices for dinner. Realistically I did not have the energy for anything complicated or the desire to spend long cooking after arriving home at 7pm. So mushrooms on toast with baby spinach, rocket, walnuts and a little haloumi alongside a poached egg hit the spot. Its mid week and there's work tomorrow so water not wine is the order of the day. I have to get up and go quickly in the morning. Tonight is about nurturing.

2. Light candles
Candles are so relaxing. The ambiant light discourages lots of running around doing housework. I have a rose scented soy candle so I have set that melting too to give a lovely spring fragrance to the house.

3. Watch something soothing, listen to music and read a book.
After dinner put on a favourite show that is soothing and comforting. No raucous laughter or action. Just something lovely. As you start to unwind, you can swap the show for music. When feeling a little calmer pick up a book and allow yourself time to sit and read.

4. Soak your feet
Pamper yourself while reading. I like to soak my feet in a basin of hot water with a generous splash of tea tree oil. The oil is antiseptic which is good and the combination seems to just wash away the tension. I can't explain it but I highly recommend trying it.

5. Spend a few minutes in a meditative mood before bed.
Now that you are unwinding, are fed, your senses have been soothed with music and candles you are ready to let go of the day. Take a journal or a notepad and list 10 things you love about life.

If you will excuse me now I need to go take my own advice. I have had dinner, candles are on as is some light jazz so my foot soak and list writing await.

I'd love to know what simple steps you take to let go of the day. Please leave me a comment.

5 things Wednesday - keeping a visual journal

I keep a written journal and a visual journal. I was however horrified to discover today that I had not made an entry in my visual journal all year. I did not expect that at all.  I packed a basket full of collage materials, glue, scissors and crayons and went out into the sunshine.

 I covered a piece of black cardboard with season inspired images and motivational words. As this particular visual board is about keeping me working on my dreams, I added an envelope in which to tuck notes outlining my actions and successes.  I used photos from magazines as well as silk flowers, leaves and stickers from cheap shops and craft suppliers.

This will go on the wall in my studio.

5 ideas for keeping a visual journal or dream board

 1. The other pages from my journal are varied according to my mood. They include inspiring magazine pictures.

2.  Or materials from craft shops like these coloured leaves glued onto a simple painted background.

3. Believe in my dreams - silk flowers and transfer flowers.

 4. Paper cutouts work well. The word journey here is cut out from a colour copy of a street directory map.

5. The visual journal gives you the chance to experiment and explore. No creative talent is needed. This is a free space to play and feel free. Cheap paints work just fine in a sketch book.

Just be yourself.

I have never shared this pages before. How do you stay inspired? Do you let your inner child out to play?  Please share your story.

5 things Wednesday - homegrown ingredients in dinner

I made a yummy hearty dahl for dinner. I stated craving one yesterday. Feeling unreasonably tired I desired a hearty, protein rich vegetarian dinner.

I started with what I could find in my garden:

Potatoes
Shallots
Celery
Baby spinach
Parsley
and nasturtium leaves for garnish.

Otherwise it was a fairy basic but yummy dahl. Red lentils, onion, tumeric, cumin, cardamon pods and sweet potato.

5 things: favourite flowers

My five favourite flowers:

1.       Daffodils

I have swathes o fdaffies in my garden. When I moved here there were a few clumps which I have spread out and added to. Last year I added ranunculas too. Over the next month I will be planting more daffies and ranunculas to add to next Spring's display.

2.       Lavender

Always one of my favourites. I remember being in a play when I was 8 and my Mum gave me a cake of Yardley's old English lavender soap. I've been smitten ever since.

3.       Frangipani

Reminds me of summers growing up in tropical Brisbane and the Gold Coast. Sadly they don't grow where I live. Although they come in many colours I prefer the yellow and white. Not to besmerch any companies, I have never smelt a soap or candle called 'frangipani' thaat smell anything like the real thing. They are a seasonal treat therefore.

4.       Passion flowers

Divine and as the precursors to fruit you can't go past them.

5.       Jasmine

Ah, another sccent of summer. I particularly love the night jasmine varieties that fill the air with their heady perfume. again a perfume that can't be replicated. You have to wait for the real thing and enjoy it to the full while you can.

5 things Wednesday

5 things to do on a rainy lunchtime

1. Celebrate your inner child and go splashing about in puddles. Ok not practical? If you don't want to spend the whole afternoon wet and bedraggled take a change of clothes and a towel. No more excuses please.
2. Go to an art gallery and soak up the serenity and creative vibes.
3. Treat yourself to a really nice sit down lunch in a cafe rather than a sandwich on the run.
4. Take photos of refelctions caused by rain on hard surfaces. See notes under point 1.
5. Stay in the office at lunch but go home early.