Statistics show that the majority of us don't dedicate enough "downtime" to ourselves.

And yet it's so important. Spending quality time alone to stop, rest and breathe allows us to connect with ourselves on a deeper level. It also enables us to re-energise our bodies so we can continue with the busy lives we lead.

Denying ourselves this opportunity creates nothing but long term stress, anxiety and uncertainty. The darkness descends and we become ships in the night travelling from port to port bearing load after load. So take the time to unload and float in a blissful sea of calm for a while. You'll discover an expansive sky full of opportunities and dreams you never knew you had.

Believe me it works. I'm a mum and downtime is something that doesn't come easily but when recently faced with a tough life decision I took extra time to be still and relax. 

Stillness creates a space around us that allows thoughts and visions to shift from the internal to the external - suddenly we become aware of things we'd never even considered before.

It was through stillness that I learnt a valuable life lesson...a lesson about what I call solitary love. We OWE it to ourselves to find our solitary space and really LISTEN. With an insight into what really matters we have the opportunity to lead an honest and valuable life.

The more we do it the more clarity we achieve and all it takes is a little downtime.

Dedicate the time to float on your blue sea of calm.
Stop....rest.....breathe.
Therein lie the answers to all you desire.

Here's another great article that reveals the importance of having time alone:
http://www.oprah.com/spirit/Why-You-Must-Have-Solitude-and-Time-For-Yourself


Image Courtesy: Getty Images

If you're interested in breathing exercises for relaxation, this article has some great tips:
http://www.uq.edu.au/student-services/counselling/relaxation-exercises

Whether it's a beach, bush or city escape, there's nothing quite like venturing off on an adventure and retiring to a world of spontaneity and relaxation. There's something cathartic about releasing household routines and the domestic chains that bind us to our homes.

Taking time to frolic in the sea or skip through long country grass gives us a sense of peace and unlocks a connection to nature that is often times lost in the routine of daily living. A city break all the same can stimulate the senses and reconnect us to community.

These are all good reasons to take a break to somewhere different. New experiences allow us to connect to a deeper part of ourselves that has perhaps been neglected for too long. Our troubles float away, our breathing becomes deeper and somehow we feel more grounded. Our connection to what matters is reignited and we are able to move forward with our lives in a more tranquil state.

If you're not convinced by my ramblings there are plenty of psychology experts and studies that suggest that mini breaks are great for soul and sanity. Some even deliver results that prove that people are happier taking a few mini breaks a year rather than one long holiday each year.

Read up on why you and your loved ones should plunge into the magic of mini breaks today;

http://seattlemamadoc.seattlechildrens.org/plan-a-vacation-stat/

Happy holiday hunting, adventuring and relaxing..ah that's better!

    image courtesy: freeimages.com

© mary cryan : positivity aplenty