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Here is a series of simple, quick, and affordable
indulgences to help you slow down and enjoy this season of beauty
and transition.
* Welcome spring. Whether or not the temperatures
are beginning to warm in your part of the world, take a walk, paying
particular attention to the little signs that a new season is on its
way.
* Stop by your local cosmetics counter for a sample
of a fresh floral perfume.
* Browse the library or online bookstores for a "beach
book," an absorbing story you can enjoy without a whole lot of
thought.
* Light a scented candle in the room where you spend
most of your time. Whenever you need a mini-break, allow the aroma
to carry you to a more relaxing and peaceful place.
* Ask your best friends, "What is your all-time
favorite movie?" Take their suggestions to the video rental store
and plan a movie and popcorn night with the family.
* Are there people in your life who rob you of energy
or make you feel bad about yourself? Many of us cling to relationships
that we have outgrown or that are just no longer good for us. Give
yourself permission to focus on those relationships that truly support
and nourish you.
* For 15 minutes, go back to bed. It's the ultimate
indulgence during a hectic week. Burrow under the covers and enjoy
the comfort of your sheets and blankets.
* Keep a running list of quotes from your kids that
crack you up. (Keep it in the kitchen so it's always available to
add to--and to look back on.)
* Send flowers to someone. A colleague, a neighbor,
your mother-in-law... or yourself.
* Create your own coffee bar. Purchase beans from
your favorite coffee house. Splurge on a few syrups and whipped cream,
if you like. Invite over a few friends.
* Pick up a glamorous pair of sunglasses. Put them
on when you need a little lift. Just for a moment, pretend to be someone
you're not.
* Buy something small that makes you feel cherished:
fresh blackberries, homemade oatmeal soap, a silk eye pillow.
* Make a soothing foot scrub. Combine equal parts
Epsom salts, baking soda, table salt, and water. Don't forget a few
drops of your favorite essential oil. Rub into your feet, sloughing
away the rough spots and preparing for this season's sexy, strappy
sandals.
* Create a running gratitude list for the area of
your life that is the bumpiest. Whether it's your kids, your spouse,
or your career, make a point to add to the list daily and so keep
mindful of your blessings.
* Enjoy the spring air by hopping on your bicycle
and taking a ride all by yourself.
* This time of year, many of us feel stuck in a routine.
When faced with a choice today, make a deliberate attempt to choose
something different. Whether you eat something new for lunch or exercise
on the bike instead of the Stairmaster, a habit of trying new things
will help remind you that life presents a lot of options.
* Remind yourself that spring is on its way with
aromatherapy. Choose a scented candle, essential oil or aromatherapy
inhaler in an energizing spring scent: lemon,basil, bergamot, sweet
orange, peppermint, eucalyptus, tangerine, or any floral blend.
* Think of your own small indulgences, and continue
to enjoy one each day.
Susie Cortright is the editor of two "just for you" websites:
BestSelfHelp.com,
which saves you time and money by cataloging only the best personal
growth tools, and Momscape.com,
devoted to helping busy parents find balance.
Today, Momscape visitors receive Susie's "6 Days to Less
Stress" course free: http://www.momscape.com.
And BestSelfHelp visitors receive a free self-help classic: http://www.bestselfhelp.com
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