If you had a long, exhausting work week, it often takes more than 2 days to decompress - which is why weekends are too short! By the time you have successfully left the stresses of the week behind and feel relaxed enough to enjoy yourself, it’s Sunday evening. Tomorrow, you have to wake up early and start all over again. All too often, we over-schedule our time off, leaving little time to simply be alone and do nothing. Our "free" time becomes just as stressful as the time we spend at work, and by the time the end of the weekend approaches, we feel we had no real moments to ourselves.

This week, try something different. Instead of rushing straight out of work on Friday to drink, dance, or generally socialize your stress away, go home and take a bath. Take some time for yourself to relax, unwind, and if you need to, wallow a bit in the stresses of the week. Make it your goal to leave the anxiety and nervous energy behind so your mind and body feel completely clear and refreshed - before the weekend begins. If you start the weekend right, you’ll come back to work ready to get things done, and you’ll be in a much better mood when you return.

When you come home, turn off your cellphone (or leave it out of sight), go into your bathroom, and dim the lights. Light your favorite candles, close the door, maybe play some soothing music, and start drawing your bath. Add your favorite bath salts, preferably scented with essential oils and/or herbs. Himalayan or Dead Sea Salts are wonderful and are filled with nutrients and minerals that will bring benefits such as detoxification, deep cleansing and softening of the skin, and stress relief. Scents such as lavender and rosemary are quite soothing, as are chamomile, eucalyptus, and mint. If you’re getting ready for a night on the town, scents such as lime, orange, ginger and lemon will energize you so you’re ready to have some fun. If you can’t decide what mood you’re in, simply mix and match.

Lie back, close your eyes, and imagine your work week evaporating and rising from the water like steam. As you lie there, be sure to breathe deeply and mindfully; all to often, we forget to breathe deeply. Deep breathing is crucial when it comes to relaxing your body and your soul. As you reflect on your busy week, go ahead and linger for a moment on the unsolved problems, the items on your to-do list that never got finished, the tasks you must face on Monday morning. Then gently let them go. Your worries, your frustrations are in the past now - you have the weekend in front of you to rejuvenate your spirit, unwind and pay special attention to what makes you happiest.

Now, you are free. The work week is far behind you. Your only job is to have a nice, relaxing weekend. Have fun!