Take a break - De-Stress

Thanks to Shelby Bell for this creative #FridayForward

?

You deserve a Break Today - Five Ways to Destress

It's been quite a February! Here are five tips to get your mind, body, and spirit right for the weekend and beyond:

1. Fresh Air. Pennsylvania has miles of beautiful hiking trails, hundreds of scenic parks, and acres of lakes. You won't have to travel far to find the right spot to stretch your legs and lift your spirits. Get out and move!

2. Excavate the Desktop. When its busy, things get buried. Have someone cover your phone if necessary, set a timer for 25 minutes (not 30 minutes – just 25) to do NOTHING ELSE but straighten, file and purge. The right playlist helps, too.

3. Practice Mindfulness. This doesn't have to be aha moment, but it can be. Find a meditation app or just a quiet spot. Turn off electronics. Take time to be still. Take a few, deep, conscious breaths. Stretch out your ribcage. When your body relaxes, your brain can relax too. This really helps. Really. 

4. Talk to a Friend. In the 24/7 world of winter propane demand, you've spent a lot of time with co-workers/customers and then gone home to crash with family. Take time to talk or facetime a friend with no agenda other than to laugh, relax, and maybe blow off some steam.

5. Get Creative. The natural response to stress is to withdraw and shut down. A little recovery is necessary but don't stay in your cocoon. Explore a creative outlet, whether listening to music, doodling, taking up a new hobby or digging into an old pastime. Your creative pursuits reflect your true individuality so don't forget to reconnect with the real ‘you’.