During the unsettling time of COVID and the lockdown, something good came out of it. We bought a house in July around the corner from our rental. Since moving to Southern Florida 3 years ago, we decided to put our roots down. Having stress can be in many forms whether it’s from working at home, not able to go out like we did before, or moving. Watching the cats settle into the new house taught me some valuable lessons which I highlight below, and reduce my overall stress.
Naps: My cat was happy when he got a nap with me. Even if you set the timer for 20 minutes can help with fatigue. Rest is essential when you get grumpy. Removing yourself from the situation can help with the anger, or stress, that you are feeling.
Schedule: Sticking to a schedule is essential as well. We went to bed early every night. Meditating, and exercising in the morning helped me feel better and less stressed. Keeping up on our green juice every morning once I unpacked the juicer helped with the fatigue. I felt ungrounded when I didn’t meditate or say my daily affirmations. It took me a while to work it into the schedule because I wanted to unpack the house first. When I set up my office space, I set up my altar in there too. Once I had my own space I started to feel safe and worked meditation into my morning routine. Exercise is essential for me as well. After the move, I would take a walk in the morning for as long as my body wanted to. I didn’t overdo it. Some mornings I only walked 10 minutes. Unpacking was an exercise in itself! I now do my Pilates and walk on alternating days. Having a routine helped the cats as well. They crave routines as much as I do. They know what to expect when I stick to a schedule.
Play: Play helps relieve stress that you didn’t even know you were holding onto! Every night before bed the cat and I would play Tag (yes he plays Tag with me! ) and then we would play with the laser. We would run up and down the hall having a blast. It helped both of us sleep better at night. It helped both of us unwind from the day.
Nurture: Our chiropractor reminded us that we needed to take a break from unpacking on the weekends. She reminded us that we should just chill, watch a movie, or Netflix. She reminded us we would be in the house for life, and we would have time to get it perfect. Comfort yourself in the only you know-how; the work will slow down enough for you to see whatever you are going through and will work itself out in time. The cats were happy because they could lay with us and relax as well.
Indulge: When you bring harmony and balance into your life it helps with your heart rate and helps you feel relaxed. Relax in a nice bath with healing essential oils and mineral salt. Go for a healing massage. Get a manicure and a pedicure. Breathe deep and let your concerns drift away. Here in Southern Florida, we are lucky that we can do these things again while wearing a mask. I have been lucky to not experience a lot of people while at the spa. My massage therapist only allows 2 clients into her business at a time, and I am happy that she puts in the effort into keeping us all safe.
Garden: Our cat loves to go in our little back yard to relax and enjoy the sunshine. While tending to the earth helped me release the stress. I would breathe deep and let the sunshine take my worries away.
