Relax, Unwind and Breathe for Good Mental Health

When I worked in corporate America, I used to have a Friday after-work ritual. First, let me back up and lay the groundwork.

For most of my career, I commuted out of state for work. Needless to say, by Friday, I was fried. 

My Go-To Routine

After work, I would stop at the supermarket and pick up the goodies to get my evening started right! This would include cheese, crackers, grapes, shrimp, nuts--cashews preferably and sparkling cider.  

I don't drink alcohol...Lord knows I could have used a drink after commuting and dealing with people all week...but I digress. As I was saying, I'm not a drinker, so my drink of choice is usually sparkling juice or cider or one of a variety of sparkling waters.

The other day, I treated myself to a little self-love by laying out a really nice cheese board. I paired it with a corked bottle of Val de France Organic Sparkling Apple Pear Juice.  I had been dying to try this non-alcoholic beverage. They make a variety of flavors. It's a little pricier than Welch's, but I did enjoy the taste.  I'm saving a bottle of apple pomegranate for a future self-love session. I'll link this Val de France sparkling beverage here:

I took my time and savored every slice of cheese, every grape, every pretzel, EVERYTHING.

I cannot tell you how refreshing it was to slowly sip my sparkling beverage! Did I mention that I served it in a wine glass? I did!  I felt like I was pampering myself. It was so good! 

I miss those evenings when this was part of my regimen. 

Make Time For Yourself

We should make more time for ourselves. I believe I may have been in a rut, but I'm climbing out. I'm going to carve out some special time every once in a while to re-charge. Put on some oldies, take a bubble bath and just chill.  

By the way, let me recommend a fantastic bottle opener to pop the cork on your next bottle of bubbly. I tried the Crenova Electric Wine Opener and it was so easy to use.  Just press a button and it pops the cork right out of the bottle. Simple as that. 

The wine opener is part of a set that includes a stopper, charging cord and few other attachments. It makes a nice gift if you're in the market for something in the $25 - $30 range. Here's a link for your convenience: 

Crenova Wine Opener Gift Set

Take a Breather

Everyone could use a little down time, right? Close your eyes right now for a few seconds and breathe. Just breathe. Take a few deep breaths and enjoy the feeling of air flowing through your lungs.

I hope you're inclined to give yourself a breather. It's so important for mental health. Besides, you deserve it!

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