Take it easy, take it easy
Dont let the sound of your own
Wheels make you crazy

These are the lyrics of the famous Eagles song Take It Easy. If you havent heard it, it is a highly recommended song. In the present day world, where everyone is always in a hurry, these lines provide some food for thought. When you realise that you have been speeding around long enough, apply the brakes. Everyone needs time off- and that includes housewives too. Learn to relax and take things easy. Here are some pointers for you:

The first and foremost is taking care of your health. Eat well and get enough exercise. Exercise keeps you in shape, but more importantly, it makes you feel good about yourself. That is because exercise releases endorphins or the feel-good hormones.

Do not always be in a hurry to get the dishes done. Learn to ignore the pile of dishes in the sink, once in a while. They can be done tomorrow. Even your partner can do them sometimes. After all he eats too, right?

Pamper yourself once in a while. Get a luxurious massage or a relaxing facial. Even a manicure/pedicure can be stress-relieving.

Be very sure about your priorities in life. Then work accordingly. And never ever let someone else tell you what your priorities are.

Develop a social network outside the ties of family. Have friends who you can share things with without the fear of being judged. Something like a hubby bashing/monster-in-law bashing club;-]

Dont be too hard/demanding on yourself. Nobody is perfect, so dont try to be that. It is OK to have some shortcomings. Learn to accept that.

Appreciate the little things in life. All good things in life come in small packages.

Respect yourself. Learn to stand up for yourself. Dont let others make a scapegoat out of you. And dont offer to make sacrifices at every opportunity. Ideal saas and bahu in the k-kamp shows get paid to do that. You wont.

Get enough sleep. Sleeping is the best way to relax and recharge your batteries.

Try to share your problems and worries with people close to you. Shared happiness is doubled, and shared grief is halved! Always remember that. So dont feel guilty about eating his head off about your saasu mas torture of the day.

Cultivate a hobby. It could be something as simple as singing, or gardening, or something more complex like collecting coins/stamps. Dancing can help you lose weight and also cheer you up. There are lots of options to choose from.

Learn to meditate. Deep breathing and meditation can cure you of many health problems. Apart from this, meditation helps you relax and unwind. And its hep too.

Play some music and sing along. Singing releases natural endorphins and make you feel good. So exercise those vocal chords. Dont bother your head about the complaints of your folks or neighboursJust do it.