It’s been almost two months since we’ve been in this pandemic. We’re worn out, and depressed. But just for today, why not take a Mother’s Day Break from Covid-19. Give yourself a time out from from your worries , and focus on the good things that are happening.

Here are 9 things to celebrate today:

Gas prices are low. I’ve not filled my gas tank since March 15. And when I do, it’s going to be a pleasant surprise when I see the final bill.

No school shootings. Since schools are closed, we don’t have to see or hear about kids killing kids.

No new middle eastern conflicts. Worldwide virus outbreaks have incapacitated most of our enemies.

Reconnecting with families. Kids and parents are getting to spend more time together. Getting to know each other. Playing games. Cooking. Bicycling. Going to parks.

Spring weather. Yes, we had a cold blast. But the trees are leafing out, there’s greenery everywhere. If you have a garden, you can start putting out annuals.

Kindness of strangers. When you walk in the park, everyone you encounter smiles and waves. That didn’t used to happen. And look at the food banks all over the country. People reaching out to help families in need.

Take a Mother's Day Break. Be grateful for the kindness of strangers. — TAKE A MOTHER’S DAY BREAK FROM COVID-19. BE GRATEFUL FOR THE KINDNESS OF STRANGERS.

Low credit card bills. We were shocked to receive our Visa statement this month. It was less than half what it normally is. That’s what happens when you don’t go anywhere, eat out, or shop in malls.

Stimulus money and unemployment checks. Lots of folks actually are enjoying more income than they had when they were working.

Wellness. 99% of Americans do not have Covid-19. So if you’re healthy and well, celebrate that today. You’ve done a good job of hand washing, mask wearing, and social distancing.

Things to avoid:

Watching or listening to the news . Take a break from alarmist news reporters who like to get you worked up and scared about what’s going on in our country.

Negative thoughts. When something unpleasant enters your mind, don’t dwell on it. As an example, what if you get the virus? As long as you’re following CDC guidelines, that’s all you can do. If you do get sick, it won’t be because you were careless. Don’t spend today worrying about it. Take a few deep breaths. Listen to some music. Take a walk. Call a loved one.

Just for today, take a break from Covid-19. Happy Mother’s Day!.

Christmas is over, but the holiday still hasn’t ended. There are more parties and family gatherings ahead in the next few days. Not to mention the stress of traveling back and forth to visit relatives in other cities. By the time Christmas is over, you may be drained and exhausted from all the ways you deviated from your normal routines and eating patterns. Here are 10 ways to take a time out tomorrow or the next day.

1. Sleep late.

2. Don’t plan to shop. Eat a healthy breakfast of fruit and whole grain cereal. Then go back to bed or find a comfortable chair, and simply relax with a cup of coffee or tea.

3. Hide the sweet treats. All the candy, cookies, and desserts can give you a “sugar high.” But when it starts to wear off, you feel jittery and nervous, and maybe depressed. Too much sugar is bad for you.

4. Ditch the salty snacks, ham, & sausage. When you take in more sodium than you need, your body starts to retain fluid. This excess make you feel bloated and sluggish. A fresh fruit smoothie for lunch will provide potassium to flush the salt from your system.

5. Eliminate alcohol. While you wouldn’t ordinarily drink in the afternoon, it’s likely that you’ll be offered wine, beer, or another alcoholic beverage at holiday gatherings. It makes the day more relaxing and festive. But it can also lead to lethargy the next day. Instead of alcoholic drinks today, have a glass of ice water, orange juice or a cup of hot tea.

A breath of fresh air will be invigorating

If you’re feeling sluggish, take a walk outside and fill your lungs with oxygen.

6. Go outside for a short walk, and fill your lungs with fresh air. Come back in and take a nap, If you can’t sleep during the day, try meditation and deep breathing exercises.

7. Settle down with a magazine like the Smithsonian, or read Tolstoy.

8. Don’t fix a big evening meal. Skip the evening cocktail. Make a bowl of fresh potato soup, minus the salt shaker.

9. Forget the evening news. Don’t leave the house to go anywhere. Relax with a Hallmark movie on TV.

10. Take a warm bath. Go to bed early.

Wake up the next day renewed and refreshed, ready for that big New Year’s Eve party.

Tag: time out

TAKE A MOTHER’S DAY BREAK FROM COVID-19

It’s been almost two months since we’ve been in this pandemic. We’re worn out, and depressed. But just for today, why not take a Mother’s Day Break from Covid-19. Give yourself a time out from from your worries , and focus on the good things that are happening.

Kindness of strangers. When you walk in the park, everyone you encounter smiles and waves. That didn’t used to happen. And look at the food banks all over the country. People reaching out to help families in need.

10 WAYS TO TAKE A TIME OUT