Relax Camping out

Ok, so to be honest with you, I haven't camped outside in about 20 years..and I have no intention of revisiting this past time...ever.  Don't get me wrong. I loved the camp fire, great outdoors, fresh air and moonlight like most outdoor people, but it seems like a lot of work to me these days! My idea of roughing it is more like staying at the Marriott instead of the Ritz:)

This being said, however, I do love to camp "in!" I love to grab my favorite blanket, a book and a few pillows while donning my yoga pants and t-shirt and do nothing but lay around all afternoon! It is a rare event for me these days, but when it happens, I turn off my phone, put away my ipad and avoid any other electronics. The warmth and dim light from my scented candles and the darkness from the shades being pulled down get me as close to camping out as I will get. I'm roughing it, for sure!

Camping "in" is quite a pleasure and certainly helps me regenerate my energy! The rest allows me to fuel up and feel alert for many days to follow. It's simple, costs nothing and simply takes a little  time.  So, take time to camp "in" or "out" for yourself. It will do your body good!

Relax with your dog

Today is the one year anniversary of our adoption of Bella! What a joy she has brought my husband who is battling cancer and me, his caregiver!

Not sure how easy it is to relax with your dog, but sometimes if my one year old pit bull is tuckered out enough, she will lay calmly with me. Bella is quite a joy and loves to cuddle! I actually found myself spooning her one night? Who does that? She was such a warm comfort to me while my husband was hospitalized.

But I am a bit too hyper myself to actually rest or lie down during the day. My idea of relaxing comes in the form of brisk walking with Bella. Since the day we brought her home (a month ago today), she and I have enjoyed our daily 45 minute to one hour walks. We rarely alter the route that she knows by heart.

I must say the walks weren't always relaxing, in fact the first few months were anything but relaxing. But, once she learned not to pull and to stay at my side, we were able to enjoy a stress-free walk!

I am so grateful to have our puppy as she has been with us through my husband's illness offering me comfort and solace. The walks relax and revitalize me daily.

Relaxing with your dog can be as simple as taking a nap or taking a walk. Either way, dogs bring great comfort to the spirit!

Relax with your Eyes Closed

A year and a half after my husband's stage IV prostate cancer diagnosis, a friend of mine suggested I take up Yoga. My husband and I  were staying in Utah for a month for a new treatment and I was going to have a lot of down time during while he was in the clinic. I immedately found a studio down the street and signed up for  classes every week day morning for the month.

WOW! What a transformation. I am not one to relax or work out by way of stretching and posing several different ways for an hour, but this yoga has done wonders for my mind, body and spirits! Sure, I have a plethora of yoga videos in my ma'am cave that I have used over the years, but it is much more relaxing and challenging when doing it under the supervision of a trained instructor!

In just that one month's time, I was transformed physically and emotionally. I immediately found a studio back home and continued my practice 4-5 days a week. My body can move in ways it could never move. The stress of being a caregiver is alleviated a bit after I do an hour of Yoga. I feel revitalized, calmer and can think clearer.

The best part of the yoga, the part I ignored for years with all of my videos, is the final Shivasana. I actually take the time now to lay down with my eyes closed focusing on my breathing. This part of the yoga exercise is what has relaxed me most. Eyes closed. Laying down. Who would have thought?