Trick or treating is a customary practice for children on Halloween. And thankfully the focus for most kids is more on getting treats, than playing tricks.
The dictionary defines "treat" as an especially unexpected source of joy, delight or amusement. Sounds wonderful, doesn't it?
And yet most of us get so caught up in our everyday busyness and packed schedules, that we forget how important it is to "treat" ourselves. And even if we have a block of free time, we often squander it by watching television or surfing the internet rather than engaging in activities that gives us a sense of joy, delight or amusement.
An exercise that I often ask my clients to do is to make a list of activities that energize them, improve their mood or are fun (personal treats). The list should contain activities that take ten minutes or less, 10-30 minutes, 30-60 minutes and longer than an hour. Then when they have a block of free time (or better yet when they can schedule some time for self-care), they have a ready list to choose from.
Below are some examples from my "treat" list.
Ten minutes or less (quick pick-me-ups):
- closing my eyes and taking a few deep breaths
- sitting, standing or lying stretches
- going outside and noticing my surroundings
- sitting outside with a cup of coffee or tea
10-30 minutes:
- taking a walk
- writing in my journal
- biking around my neighborhood
- meditation
- Skyping with my granddaughter
30-60 minutes:
- exercise
- reading
- taking the dogs on a leisurely stroll
- talking on the phone with a family member or friend
60 minutes or more:
- yoga class
- going to the beach
- getting a massage
- shopping
- getting a manicure and pedicure
- lunch at an outdoor cafe
Having a "treat" list handy makes it much easier to do those activities that energize and renew you rather than wasting time on mindless activities that drain your energy.
Happy Treating!
