De-Stress with a Weekend Getaway at Bobbi's Bungalow

Bobbi's Bungalow has plenty of books for your enjoyment and stress relief.

Spring has finally arrived in Ohio! The breeze is a little warmer and the tulips are blooming. Spring is a time of renewal. I appreciate all season in this region, but especially look forward to the pop of colors and warmer temperatures of spring. I cherish the warm sun on my face like the loving embrace of God.

April is also Stress Awareness Month. How many of you find yourselves mega busy taking care of others, whether it is your immediate family, aging parents or ongoing issues at work? Some stress is good for us, causing us to work a little harder or to get us through a tough situation. However, chronic stress can cause physical issues. Anyone else with me?

A couple of years ago I dealt with elevated stress issues at work while my son was struggling with bullying issues at school. Together this stress contributed to temporomandibular joint, or TMJ disorder in my jaw. My face and teeth hurt. Opening my mouth for a sandwich was painful. Chewing a steak was not even possible. Thanks to my dentist and online research, I found that by managing my stress and wearing a mouth guard each night, I was able to reduce the symptoms of TMJ to where eating is not much of a problem anymore. I still grind my teeth at night and have jaw pain when stress levels increase, but I am much more aware of my stress and how my body is reacting to it. 

The walking path at West Liberty's Lions Club Park.

So why am I telling you this? Because you may be in the same situation. You may be overloaded with stress as well. Here are a few ways that helped me de-stress:

1. Walking or other forms of exercise - I enjoy walking and enjoying nature. A walk in the woods would be ideal for me, but even from my home and around the park is peaceful.
2. Relaxing music - Youtube is my friend at work. I can search for Spa music, or wooden flute, or instrumental hymns, or praise songs. You may have Spotify or another music service that you can create your own stress reducing list of songs.​

3. Essential Oils - I have a mini diffuser at work, a diffuser in my bedroom, and personal diffusers on me - necklaces, earrings and bracelets. I massage my jaw and outer ear area up to my temple with peppermint and rosemary, diluted with almond oil. Sometimes I just put oils in my hands and smell them. Aromatherapy sure helps me.
4. Prayer and meditation - I have a spare bedroom that is a quiet place for me. I will sometimes escape to this room for a few minutes for some quiet time with God. Writing in a prayer journal or a gratitude journal can help us focus on the positive things in our lives.
5. Truly escape - Book a weekend (or longer) away!

Are you seeking a peaceful, relaxing get-away? I invite you to come to West Liberty, Ohio and stay at Bobbi’s Bungalow Guest House.  Guests reviews have said it is a charming little village and a sparkling clean, comfortable home, nostalgic of the 1930’s but with all of the amenities needed. Being only a block from downtown, you would be within walking distance of antique and gift shops plus an ice cream parlor where folks hang out on the street corner enjoying their cold treats. I have plenty of books for your enjoyment, plus cable TV and high speed internet if any of those help you de-stress. 

Another full bookshelf at Bobbi's Bungalow

Lion’s Park is only a few blocks away with a walking path along the Mad River - take a blanket and a book and enjoy the bubbling sounds of the flowing water. God has a magnificent way of using nature to relieve the stress of the day!

What are some ways you relieve stress? I would love to hear some of the things that work for you.