KEY POINTS:
Nothing beats taking a week off work to relax and recharge your batteries. It does wonders for your health, and you'll return with renewed energy and enthusiasm.
Unfortunately, most of us can't just take off for a week whenever we feel like it but we can achieve similar results by dedicating a couple of days to looking after our wellbeing.
Here's how to turn a weekend into a week off. First:
* Plan ahead. Organise somewhere for the kids to go and get in all the food and supplies you'll need.
* Do housework in advance so you don't feel guilty about having "me' time and make sure you won't be distracted. If your partner isn't joining in or being supportive, send him packing too.
Friday night
The weekend begins now. Have a hot shower and change into comfortable clothing. After a light dinner put on some gentle music, light a few candles and dim the lights. Now, try meditating.
Simply sit in a comfortable position, close your eyes and concentrate on one thing - either one particular sound, word, or image. You might even want to focus on the sound of your breathing. The aim is to quiet your busy mind until it is filled with a feeling of calm and peace, so it can't worry or feel stressed.
Meditating can make you feel blissfully relaxed, decrease your heart and breathing rate and cut levels of stress hormones.
Have an early night tonight. If you have trouble sleeping try a hot, milky drink or a couple of drops of lavender essential oil on a tissue next to your pillow.
Saturday morning
Get up early and head out for a brisk walk for between 30 minutes and an hour. If it's not too difficult to get to, walk somewhere scenic. Strolling down a beach or through a park is much more calming than walking beside a busy road. As you stride along remember that people who walk live longer and have less incidence of cancer, heart disease, stroke, diabetes and other killer diseases.
Dedicate the rest of the morning to doing something you haven't done before or for a very long time - a change is as good as a rest. You could take a dance class, go horse riding, visit an art exhibition or do something simple like flying a kite or doing a jigsaw puzzle.
Saturday afternoon
Time for pampering. If you can afford it, treat yourself to a massage. It can enhance your feelings of well being, reduce tension and improve blood circulation.
Next apply a face mask and a conditioning treatment for your hair. Wash them off in an invigorating shower, and exfoliate all over. Slather on lots of moisturiser, file your nails and pluck your eyebrows. Looking good helps you to feel good.
Saturday night
Go out to dinner with friends. Make sure you can have a good laugh with them - don't invite anyone argumentative or negative.
People with a strong network of friends tend to live longer, according to an Australian study. They have stronger immune systems and are less likely to suffer from depression, anxiety and other mental illnesses.
Try not to drink too much while you're out. Have wine rather than spirits and pace yourself by having a glass of water in between each alcoholic drink.
After dinner, go dancing. Kicking up your heels is proven to reduce stress, increase energy and improve strength.
It can also give you a natural high by releasing feel-good chemicals called endorphins. If you feel embarrassed about shaking your groove thing in public, try dancing around your living room before you go out. It'll get you in a party mood.
Sunday morning
Enjoy a lie-in. Once you're awake, snuggle under the covers and read for a while. Choose something that makes you feel positive and inspired.
Sunday afternoon
Get moving. A session of yoga will help de-stress you, and can boost your immune system. It is great for flexibility, posture and strength and may help you deal with pain.
Either find a nearby class or get hold of a DVD so you can do a workout at home. If you're still feeling energetic, go for another walk.
Sunday night
Watch a funny DVD. Laughing relieves stress and boosts your immune system. It exercises the diaphragm, contracts the abdominal muscles and even provides a good workout for your heart.
End the weekend with a bath. Add a few drops of sandalwood or geranium essential oils to the water and then have a great night's sleep.
- Detours, HoS
