REST is best

Storms, floods, chaos. We all need a summer of rest! We hope you enjoy Angelique Kasmara's soothing ideas for much needed R&R.

Letting yourself truly wind down and relax when you finally get a quiet moment can prove difficult, especially if you’ve just gone through a stressful period.

Continuing disruptions and uncertainty over the last few years on both a local and global scale have made it even harder to properly de-stress. We all need a break, don't you think?

It’s clear that these feelings are shared by many, with Carers NZ’s State of Caring survey last year revealing a high level of anxiety amongst New Zealanders self-managing health conditions and disabilities, and their families. Despite the uncertainty of recent times, we can all take steps to have soothing surroundings and routines - to restore our spirits, and look ahead positively. Best of all, most of our ideas cost little or nothing to try!

Hygge

Let’s use the concept of hygge (HYU-gah) for some inspiration!

This Danish word involves making conscious decisions to spend time in restful cosiness with friends and family, and can mean anything from togetherness to conviviality, jolliness, or contentedness.

The Netherlands have a similar version called gezelligheid (ge-ZELL-ick-heid), while the Swedish have mys (mize). In English, it may be translated as being at ease, cosy, or relaxed. In te reo Māori, this concept may be pai noa iho, hāneanea, or āhuru. It looks particularly lovely in NZ Sign Language: www.nzsl.nz/signs/4251

Whatever resonates with you the most, embracing the idea is a good excuse to dress comfortably, with a favourite drink at your elbow to chat, read, enjoy a restful view, or just reflect, eyes closed!

Celebrate the day!

Waking up to beautiful weather can give you a ‘seize the day’ nudge, even if you’re not feeling up to it. Dark, rainy and cold days carry none of this expectation! And we’ve had plenty of those. Whatever the weather, try pottering around in favourite old apparel, shoes you can slide into, or no shoes at all!

Eating bowls of chips, binge watching a favourite series, and ignoring the phone, are ideal ways to spend the odd stormy day.

It can be soothing to ponder life (or your latest book) while lazing at the beach or in the garden - or at home, with the curtains pulled, fluttering in a light breeze while you nap.

Love your living spaces

Lighting

Natural sunlight is the best kind of lighting. Keep curtains pulled back during the day, and place mirrors strategically to reflect light back. Come evening, use soft white or warm white lightbulbs, lampshades, and maybe coloured lightbulbs in warm shades - the glow they produce does make a difference to perception. For a quirky effect, use fairy lights. Have dinner by candlelight!

Ambience!

Cushions and light rugs are useful indoors and out any time of year. Sprinkle them across your living spaces for extra snuggle when you need it!

New hobbies

Sue Elliot from the Gribblehirst Knitters in Auckland says her hobby has given her a way to create beautiful things, connect with others, and give back to the community, whether it’s knitting socks for babies or those who are struggling. She’s even made friends while knitting on a train in China.

“Even though we couldn’t communicate through English or Mandarin, we shared the language of purling!”

There are many hobby groups around New Zealand. Get your creative juices fired up by starting a hobby you've always been interested in. It’s a way to learn something that you truly enjoy, break up routine, and can provide opportunities to connect with others.

Core cosiness

Invigorate yourself from the inside out with brisk exercise, easy barbecues or baking, or try a new drink, or curl up with some on-fire prose or poetry!

Give yourself a hug

Wellness trends come and go, often with great speed. A few years back, the Dutch ‘koe knuffelen’ or ‘hugging cow’ trend had a moment. Hours were spent with cows, hugging and leaning on them. Hugging does give you an oxytocin boost, which in turn helps regulate our emotional responses and provides a warm, tranquil feeling. Koe knuffelen may still be a thing (ask your local dairy farmer), but rest assured there is an easier way to get that oxytocin surge. Wrap your arms around yourself in a way which feels natural and comfortable. Imagine the kind of hug you’re looking for. Strong and secure? Gentle and reassuring? Then give yourself a squeeze. Hold on for as long as you want. If you don’t want to hug yourself, try rocking your shoulders or forearms in a soothing, gentle way instead.

Comfortable at home

A warm or cool home during variable weather is vital to keep our immune systems strong. Review the ventilation and insulation in your home. It may be a good time to invest in a new fan or air conditioner, or to look ahead to having a well-insulated home when the weather turns chilly again.

Hang out with the fur babies

Maybe you have a bit more time at the moment to spend with your pets. Vary your routines to walk the dog in new places - the beach, or a dog park you haven't yet tried. And the cat? They will appreciate lazing with you at home or in the garden, relaxing together after another busy year.

Try some new candles or fairy lights

There are so many choices these days for the garden and every room in the house. LED candles last for many hours and are a safe option around children. Fairy lights can be hung anywhere with solar, electric, or battery options; try some in fun shapes and colours!

Just chill

If life has been hectic, don't feel pressured to fill your days with travel or activities. Make time to truly rest, in ways that restore your wellbeing or will help sustain you in the months ahead.