How I Unwind After a Demanding Day
Unwinding after a demanding day is an art form, one that I’ve honed with a mix of furry companionship, sensory delights, and a touch of instinctual wisdom. For me, it’s not a one-size-fits-all approach—it varies depending on the day’s demands and my mood.
Often, it begins with curling up with my service dog, who, once out of her vest, transforms into a lap-seeking missile. Add a purring cat by my ear and a good book in hand, and I’m in my happy place. Lately, I’ve been diving into Christine Feehan’s Carpathian series. This paranormal romance saga is a thrilling blend of ancient Carpathian warriors, vampires, and lifemates destined to find each other. It’s the kind of immersive storytelling that makes the world fade away.
Sometimes, music sets the tone—though not always. On hot days, I seek out something cool, and nothing beats a slushie. It’s a staple in my routine, even if it comes with the occasional brain freeze. On rare occasions, I’ll let the TV lull me into a state of relaxation until my mind finally waves the white flag and allows me to sleep.
The key to unwinding, I’ve found, is engaging in an activity that demands my full attention. If my mind isn’t entirely captivated, it tends to wander, and that’s a recipe for restlessness. Late-night walks are another favorite, provided my dog is willing to accompany me, if she is not I let her instincts guide us and stay inside. She’s my little protector, and while she’s small, her presence is enough to make me feel secure. Of course, when I say “going for a walk,” it’s more of a wheeling adventure, as I’m an ambulatory full-time wheelchair user. This means that while I can walk short distances, I rely on my wheelchair for mobility most of the time. My dog and I make quite the pair—her trotting alongside me as I roll through the night.
I’ve trained her with a special command—“I see them, I am aware”—which I give when I feel safe. This lets her know she doesn’t need to bark or draw attention to a person nearby. However, if I sense anything out of the ordinary, don’t see someone or feel unsafe, I refrain from giving the command. Instead, I rely on her natural instincts to assess the situation. She’ll bark and shift her focus, making sure anyone with bad intentions knows we’re alert and it draws attention. As a Plains Cree woman, I deeply respect the teachings of my culture that emphasize the importance of instincts. In our traditions, instincts are seen as a gift, a connection to both ancestral wisdom and the natural world. By following both her instincts and mine, we create a partnership grounded in trust, one that helps us navigate safely together.
One ritual that always helps me reset is smudging before bed. It’s a practice I start and end my day with, though I admit I need to be more consistent. Perhaps as I build the habit of writing daily, I can tie it to this ritual and strengthen both practices. Smudging not only grounds me but also clears my mind, preparing me for rest.
Ultimately, my unwinding routine is about finding that one thing—whether it’s a book, a walk, or a slushie—that can anchor my mind and bring me back to center. It’s a work in progress, but isn’t that the beauty of it? Life is all about finding what works, one demanding day at a time.
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