Simple Self Improvement

  Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay Everyone gets stressed from time to time. Some people get stressed more often than others and some people experience a greater degree of stress. Stress can occur when 'bad' things happen to us, when we have too much on our plate and even when we are experiencing a change or event we have chosen. What are some ways to help us relax? Relaxing activities to relieve stress in the short term Have some time alone, especially if you haven't had a moment to yourself for some time Work on a hobby such as sketching, pottery, gardening, quilting, oil painting, woodwork etc Do some knitting http://healthyhints.com.au/four-health-benefits-of-knitting/ Read a book or magazine, it can be fiction or factual Listen to an audio book/novel Sing with a group or sing alone in the shower Cook something you enjoy making, be creative Listen to music you enjoy If you can play a musical instrument, do it now ...

Blackbirds hang out in the palm   Image:Marie Vonow Life is full of things to do, people to catch up with and appointments to attend. It seems there is always so much to do and life can be overwhelming if you don't schedule time to just breathe. I am fortunate at this point in my life I don't have to rush off to work in the morning. I am able to take some time for myself most mornings and watch the birds in my garden as I slowly drink my coffee. I wrote this short poem about relaxing in the garden and observing the local birds.         Birds And Nature Friendly birds sitting in the tree Joyfully singing songs for me, I love to sip my coffee while I sit, Watch them and relax for a bit. Nature can calm my active mind I look around, focus on what I find, Stop and take a break from stress Breathe deep, don’t think about life's mess. You may already know, from ...

                                 Dawn                                 Title added to image by Mabel Amber from  Pixabay The things you do to start your day in a positive way depends on whether you are a lark or a night owl, your personality and your living situation. What works for the lark is unlikely to work for the owl. If you are an introvert your needs will be different from those of an extrovert. If you have young children in your care (or you are a carer for an adult with a disability or someone who needs support due to ageing) your situation will be different from someone who lives alone. There are many other factors that will influence what you are able to do, let's be practical here, and what you will ...

Part of mural inside Chocolatree cafe 25 O'Connell Street North Adelaide                        Image:Marie Vonow I enjoy spending time with friends but sometimes I enjoy going off and exploring somewhere on my own. Recently I caught the train and then a bus to North Adelaide and spent a morning wandering around the shops on O'Connell Street. I had a fun time and came home feeling full of energy, ideas and enthusiasm. Talking to a stranger Soon after I got off the bus a stranger who was sitting on a bench smiled at me. She said I looked like her friend Sophie. We fell into conversation about 'doppelgangers' . After a few minutes I went on my way. Had I been in company I doubt the woman would have spoken to me for fear of intruding.  Some street art I love street art, the way it pops up in unexpected places and is there for everyone to view whenever they want. It's free to v...