Happy Friday, RISERS! I hope this week has been good to you. We have made it to the end of the eighth month. That means the “-ber” months are upon us: September, October, November, and December. I plan to bring out the fall decorations and scented candles. It’s also a good time to start planning your Christmas shopping.
Quote of the Week: “Tension is who you think you should be. Relaxation is who you are.” –Chinese proverb
Artist of the Week: With this segment, I am doing something a little different this week. I am talking about all things relating to relaxation, and I believe that classical music, especially that of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, is some of the most chill music ever.
I think the best compilation of Mozart’s music is the Greatest Hits Album: Mozart, which was originally a record album and then was sold as a “Classical ’90s” 90-minute cassette. Sadly, you cannot buy this specific album in CD or digital format. One of my favorite pieces in this compilation from Symphony No. 40 in G Minor, K. 550. Its first movement, Molto Allegro, is very soothing.
When my husband was in the Army, I worked in a pet store at the mall and also attended my local community college for a year. I have mentioned before how I’m NOT much of a mathematics person. Well, I had gotten a kitten after working at the pet store for only two weeks, and the cat, Billy, was home alone when I started school. Since pre-calculus was my last class of the day, I tried to do my homework right when I got home so that I wouldn’t forget how to do the problems. After being alone all day, Billy would run all over the apartment, up and down the stairs, etc. I’d put on this trusty music and, within minutes, Billy would be curled up on his kitty condo, sound asleep. Though I cannot say it helped me with my math comprehension, I felt better and Billy got loads of rest!
Joke of the Week: I love relaxing in my garden…good thymes.
Nugget of Wisdom of the Week: Now that we have been in school for almost three weeks, it’s time to talk about ways to spend a mental health day. This is important for everyone, not just students. Teachers need an occasional mental health day, as do flight attendants, retail workers, and anyone else who can get overwhelmed.
I know what you’re thinking: “Do I really need a plan to take a day off to do nothing?” To make the most of it, yes! First, choose a day where sleeping in is possible. Once you wake, be sure to stretch lightly so you can get the blood flowing. For breakfast, eat something healthy yet stimulating, such as fresh fruit, yogurt, or a smoothie. You can finish out the morning with time outside, possibly lounging in nature or taking a walk before it gets too hot.
At midday, pick a calming activity such as reading, listening to music, or assembling a puzzle. If you like to write, use this time to work on a new novel or a journal entry. Follow that up with a tasty lunch consisting of a salad or other healthful foods you enjoy.
In the late afternoon or evening, cook your favorite meal or treat yourself and go out to eat. You won’t have dishes to clean if you eat elsewhere. After dinner, unwind in the bathtub or shower, letting the water wash away any tension.
At bedtime, go through your evening routine. Choose clothes for the next day to save time, and maybe even make your lunch for school or work the next day. It is vital that you make your bedroom as conducive as possible for sleeping. Adjust the temperature or turn on the fan, if you need white noise.
While relaxing, it is always a good idea to stay hydrated. Make sure you set the necessary boundaries with family and friends about how you’ll spend your relaxation day. There’s nothing worse than having a day off for yourself that you use to do things for others and ending up more tense than when you started.
Recipe of the Week: Chocolate Chip Brownie Cookies
What you’ll need:
1 box of brownie mix
1 cup chocolate chips
eggs
oil
water
parchment paper
Mix the brownie batter according to package directions, adding the eggs, oil, and water. Add the chocolate chips and stir thoroughly. Drop spoonfuls of batter onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, then bake in a 350-degree oven. Bake at least 9 minutes, then use the tilt-test (tilt the pan and see if the cookies move) to see if they are done. If not, bake longer, checking every two minutes until they reach your desired texture. I like cookies on the softer side, but make these the way you like them.
Shout-Out of the Week: This week I want to give a shout-out to everyone working hard, day after day. Choose to relax periodically, to keep mentally and physically strong. Knowing your limitations does not mean that you are a weakling. You are amazing. You’ve got this!
Have a great weekend. Remember, you are most awesome, and YOU ROCK!
Marion Rhines is a foster-turned-adoptive parent. She lives in Knoxville, Tenn., with her husband and five children. She has written and published two children’s books as well as two foster-care-themed novels. She has a Facebook blog, Tips from the FLIP Side, and enjoys working with children of all ages.
