The Art of Taking a Break: 1

Posted on by Teagan Riordain Geneviene
coffee-cookies-glasses-andrea-di
UnSplash.com, Andrea Di

Welcome, everyone.  I’ve said that I would be taking some time off from Teagan’s Books, so why am I here?  Well,  I am taking a break, but I don’t want anyone to forget that I exist.  

I’ve realized that break taking truly is an art form.  Plus it’s an art that I desperately need to figure-out.  So far I haven’t had much success.  The closest I’ve come is making a mess of “adult coloring books” for about half an hour before I go to bed. Crystal, my feline supervisor, likes the sound of the crayons and markers as they deface the coloring book page. I give her a couple to be “her very own” and she lays with a paw across them.  dream-doodlesFor decades I’ve read that psychologists recommend coloring to de-stress. That’s just hearsay; I’m no expert.  I really do find it is calming though, because it forces my focus onto the intricate images.  My favorite collection is from Creative Haven (click for examples), for their detailed designs.  The more intricate the picture, the more concentration required, and so the more I stress released.  At least that’s how it is for me.  I have the Dream Doodles  book. Here’s an image from Amazon to give you an idea. (No it’s not my handiwork. I can’t stay inside the lines to save my life.)

How do you de-stress?  Be sure to share — just remember this is a G rated blog!

At any rate, now you know that I’m still alive and kicking — and sending you mega hugs.

Disclaimer:  I looked through many videos to find one that didn’t have an ad attached.  So my fingers are crossed that one doesn’t sneak-in… Especially from my all time least favorite politician, who seems to have taken over all the ads on Youtube…

73 thoughts on “The Art of Taking a Break: 1”

  1. I, too, love to color. Whether I’m coloring my adult books or coloring with my granddaughter Josie in her children’s books, it is always relaxing. Enjoy your break, dear Teagan. Hugs.

    Liked by 1 person

  2. I have a few of those coloring books. They are fun to do, but it gets on my nerves to do such tiny patterns, so I just color how I want to. Hope you’re enjoying your break (I miss the Guitar Mancer series though) … I was forced to take a break, because computer broke down. Still trying to catch up with what I missed for a week. Sending you (((hugs))) xo

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Hi Barbara. I’m sorry about your computer. That is so frustrating. Thanks for taking time to visit here.
      Yes when it comes to the coloring books there’s “intricate” and then there’s “too dang small,” as I found with the last one I bought. So yes, color it anyhow you please. I’m no one to judge. I can’t stay inside the lines even on big things… or straight lines…
      Wishing you a happy Columbus Day weekend. Mega hugs

      Liked by 1 person

  3. I’m very glad to hear you’re taking a break, dear Teagan, it’s not only important to take breaks, but to know when to take breaks…but be assured, we could never forget you. Ever. 🙂
    I never enjoyed colouring and colouring books much, even as a child so I don’t imagine they would work, at least for me, now; as for relaxing I like to read, watch TV, walk, write, and play board games – sometimes baking but that too often leads to eating the baking….mmmm, baking. 😉
    I hope you find all kinds of ways (g-rated or otherwise) to relax, dear friend, you deserve the lack of stress. And I know Crystal will be thrilled to help, as long as she’s in charge, but I know her purring and company are probably the best destressors (doubt that’s a word, but hey, it’s relaxing to make up new words) around!!! 🙂
    Mega don’t worry about staying inside the lines, you’re better outside them lol hugs xoxoxox

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Hi Donna. Speaking of breaks, how is yours going? My heartfelt thanks for visiting here. I hope you are doing plenty of the things you mentioned.
      LOL Crystal… everything is on her terms. She’s not a lap kitty, but most nights will curl against the back of my knees.
      If destressors is not a word, then it surely should be! It was a heck of a workday, so looking for the destressors for sure. Love what you said about the lines. 😀
      Mega hugs right back, my friend.

      Like

    1. Welcome Stephanie! I agree. The “adult” books work much better for me, since they require much more focus. It helps me quiet my mind, and basically let go of the day before I go to sleep. Thanks for taking a moment to comment. Mega hugs.

      Like

  5. I think maybe you’re working too hard at taking a break Teagan 🙂 It takes a lot of time to wind down and for me it’s always walking, reading, sleeping! I’ve also started watching Scandinavian crime series with subtitles on TV – I find them really comforting but I can’t work out why I like them so much – probably because it’s a combination of vegging out in front of the TV but still reading!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Haha! I think you’re right Andrea. But I found that part of de-stressing for me is the encouragement I get in comments here at Teagan’s Books.
      I understand what you mean about your particular TV show being comforting. (My “guilty pleasure” is *some* anime. [Some of it is every bit as sexist and exploitive as regular TV or movies, but others are really good.] There is one particular series where I find the voices unaccountably comforting! Just as you find your crime show comforting — I get it. Thanks so very much for visiting today. Mega hugs.

      Liked by 1 person

  6. my biggest mood lifter is nature, I mean living creatures other than human beings, their innocence always cheers me up. I walk out to my balcony in the foulest mood and I see them and everything changes instantly.

    My second remedy are my internet friends, they always have some love and surprises waiting for me 🙂

    third and fourth are music and movies- cheering ones. They always transform my mood.

    Have a recuperating break!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thank you kindly, Doc. From other posts I hear there had been an issue with WordPress changing our settings and blocking email posts, apparently that extends to the Reader as well. I appreciate you visiting. Hugs!

      Like

  8. When I take the time to relax I choose one of the things that I enjoy doing, listening to music, meditating, reading, walking, gardening or that one thing that is guaranteed to relax me. Cuddle with one of my 5 kitties.
    Teagan glad to hear from you, and even happier to hear you are taking the time for yourself that you need to relax, and recharge.

    Liked by 1 person

  9. I can highly recommend a blogging break, Teagan. I got so much done during mine. I’m still officially on a semi-blogging break, just until the book is ready for publication. That shouldn’t be long now.
    Long walks help me destress. Living close to the beach is a great thing, especially as the dog ban between May 1st and 30th Sept has now come to an end again. Toby is enjoying the beach again, and so am I.
    Enjoy the break. I’ll be catching up on those two episodes of The Guitar Mancer I’ve still to read, so I’ll be in touch once I’ve read them.
    Sunday hugs to you.
    xx

    Like

  10. Good Sunday morning, and first of all let me make it clear, that I will never forget you:):) OK – how do I relax? Watercolour painting of course is key….reading…which I do when I go to bed and wake up in the morning. I keep regular hours…which seems to work best for me. I like to walk, particularly in a natural setting. I need to see, feel and smell trees, river, birds, etc. I removed all technology from my bedroom sometime ago…and it does make a difference…..and I meditate – just for a few minutes at the end and beginning of each day. I allow myself to think about all the things I am grateful for…even when there might be some disaster at hand!:) It really helps. I think it’s a great idea that you are doing colouring books….because they do focus the mind. Maybe i should make some hummingbird colouring books?? The key is to have a time each day that is your time to relax…and nothing is allowed to get in the way…..and the other thing is turn of all phone Janet. xxx

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Dear Janet, you have a marvelous sense of gratitude. No wonder you seem like such a spiritual being, a whimsical entity. 🙂 I’m actually excited about the idea of you making hummingbird coloring books. I think the key to them (for adults) is how intricate the design; that’s what makes me concentrate enough to shut out my job. Here are examples from the brand I like. It’s a happy medium to me, between too many big spaces and too tiny. https://www.amazon.co.uk/s/ref=nb_sb_ss_i_2_14?url=search-alias%3Dstripbooks&field-keywords=creative+haven+colouring+books+for+adults&sprefix=creative+haven%2Cstripbooks%2C237
      Thanks so very much for taking time to visit and comment. Mega hugs.

      Like

      1. Thanks for this dear Teagan…..keep colouring….any form of creativity is the key to emotional/physical and spiritual wellbeing…which is really the foundation block to my teaching and workshops. have a lovely week and take the colouring books to work with you:):)xxx

        Liked by 1 person

        1. You are so right Janet. (Can’t take them to work though. It’s not something I can quickly stash out of sight, and even if it was a required break, it would be negatively viewed…) Hummingbird hugs!

          Liked by 1 person

  11. A break is a good thing. After taking time away you can re enter with a whole new perspective. Really enjoyed the video of Simple Minds and gee, it’s been a while since I’ve even thought about Ray Bradbury Theatre, I think I only saw a couple of episodes and never saw this one. Thanks for this I’ll watch it.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. I’m delighted that I could leave an extra treat, Suzanne. I noticed several episodes on Youtube, but haven’t had time to watch any of them. I’m really surprised that I don’t remember that show… or maybe it blurred together in my memory with Twilight Zone and The Outer Limits… (Thanks to Lavinia for mentioning it!)
      Thanks for visiting here today. Mega hugs.

      Liked by 1 person

    1. Thank you for saying that, Tess. Yes, one can’t do a lot about the stress unless you can control the cause of it. I’m working on positive change.
      I will be around some, but not with the labor intensive kind of posts everyone is used to seeing from me. There are a couple of reblogs I expect to share in October. Plus I’ll be visiting blogs here and there. Thanks so much for spending time here today. Mega hugs!

      Like

  13. It is wonderful to hear from you, Teagan! I own a similar book myself ( with amazing cats) and a whole bag of Staedtler fine markers. Have a great time, write your books and enjoy your life 🙂 Many hugs!!! xxxxxx

    Liked by 1 person

        1. No… I’ll try to do a “Teagan’s Books” post at least once a month — probably continuing this idea of “mastering the art of taking a break.” I’ll stick to Saturdays, but not weekly. 🙂

          Liked by 1 person

  15. Hi Teagan. Miss you very much but hope that your break is going good. I find that painting, watercolours or drawing helps me escape. A doodle can grow into something else entirely. Massive hugs from Scotland. x

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Haha! Yes, and doodling during board meetings can be dangerous if someone looks over your shoulder! Hi Adele, it’s good to see you. It’s looking like many of us bloggers do similar things to unwind. I keep waiting for someone to say they “fart in elevators” or some such, but apparently not. 😀 Mega hugs.

      Like

  16. Oh, enjoy your break, Teagan. I think the key to a good break is to avoid multi-tasking. Social media seems to be so much about keeping multiple pins in the air. Fully and consciously indulge in a cup of tea, a song, a coloring page, a book, a walk. Be fully present in each activity and I think you will have a wonderful break and come back refreshed. ❤

    Liked by 1 person

    1. You make a huge point about the multi tasking, Diana. Unfortunately Teagan’s Books is the only thing I can take a break from. So I’m still multi-tasking. But taking a moment to “be fully present” in something is bliss. I’m so glad you left this comment. Yes — I will make a point of doing that. Mega hugs.

      Liked by 1 person

  17. Dear Teagan, because I wouldn’t take any pleasure from colouring I still haven’t found a way to relax. It’s like trying to knit fog so I can only hope you’ll be so much more successful than I. I do know I shall be thinking of you all the time you’re away and hoping you’re doing well (preferably while writing a super length episode of the current mystery).
    I like the Simple Minds track. Thank you for that.
    Please look after yourself.
    xxx Humongous Hugs ❤ xxx

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Dear David, that’s precisely what i’m trying to do. I admit that I let my stress go on for too many years… All the while I’ve tried to improve my situation but… I’m still trying.
      So for a while, I’ll try to “master the art of taking a break.” LOL. I’m not very good at taking breaks, or I wouldn’t be here. 😀 I’m glad you enjoyed the song. I always find myself swaying to the music as I listen to it.
      I hope you’re doing well, feeling happy and sassy! Mega hugs.

      Like

  19. I hear you loud and clear Teagan. Take your break and try different things. Maybe coloring is not for you. I like doodling, set a timer and try it for 10 minutes. I used to work with clay and hand built all sorts of things, pinch bowls being my favorite. I no longer do it but it was fun and very relaxing. These days I go for walks and take some yoga classes. Of course, there is always cooking. Sometimes I like to dance when no one is looking. I just hope that you find something you enjoy and before you know it it will relax you. Mega hugs.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thank you Gerlinde. I actually enjoy the coloring. (even if the de-stressing only lasts for as long as I color.) The only cure for my stress is to cure the every-day source of it… As I have been for years, I’m working for positive change. It’s just that it adds up over so much time. In doing these posts I’m trying to not take myself so seriously. So I shared about my coloring. And just maybe it will help someone else. That’s why I invite everyone to share their own tips for de-stressing. I love what you said about dancing when no one is watching! That is truly marvelous. ❤ Mega hugs right back!

      Like

    1. That’s certainly good advice, Geoff. Glad to know that it’s actually possible for somebody to do that!
      LOL about the cat. When I was growing up I had a Siamese cat. As she got old, she started to insist on always sitting in somebody’s lap. Loved heat. My father was a frequent target, as he had a footstool by his favorite chair. He got the dreadful habit of using a permanent marker and drawing spots on her fur. Naturally I got the blame. I took his markers away. 🐱
      Mega hugs!

      Liked by 1 person

  21. Have a restful & peaceful break Teagan and as mentioned by others, keep writing – anything – and transport yourself to better places.
    As for me and mine, the downsizing is complete, the packing substantially done and next Friday we will be offline until everything is sorted out at the new (smaller) apartment surrounded by clean, healthy, fresh paint perfumed air.
    Come to think of it, the Queen and other royal gadabouts must think that air is paint scented all the time when they visit places 😄😄😄
    MFH’s 😘😘😘

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Haha! That’s probably right about the Queen.
      Congratulations, Chris! I’m happy to hear that all is set for the new home. I don’t enjoy the “un” of anything particularly unloading the dishwasher and unpacking. So wishing you a quick “un.”
      Downsizing is really hard. I moved from a 3 bedroom “starter” home to a much smaller townhouse here. I feel like I’ve been downsizing ever since.
      One day when the next move comes, it will likely be at my own expense again. Since all my furniture is old, I’ll get rid of nearly all my worldly goods…
      I know Apes are big and strong, but take care. I’ve hurt my back with every relocation. Mega hugs right back.

      Liked by 1 person

  22. There appears to be many taking a “Break” Teagan. In fact I just realized that about 2 weeks ago. I walk the beach each evening at sunset (yes, by myself) I have always love sunsets best my entire life… I can not say (even with a large family) I am stressed. I enjoy my life too much to let anything or anyone interfere with that! I hope you do enjoy the break and have a pleasant weekend. Big Hugs. xx

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Cheryl, you win the prize for the best way to de-stress! (Even if you aren’t stressed.) Sigh… sunset walks on the beach. Yep, that would do it! 😀 If I want to master the art of taking a break, I should take lessons from you.
      Mega hugs.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Not everyone wants to live on the beach Teagan-I am use to that lifestyle my entire life. So it is natural for me to walk on it every evening. I really believe people in general let to much junk cloud their minds thus becoming stressed?! Negativity breeds negativity. Let stuff go and see the beauty wherever you live. Bigger Hugs to you!! xx

        Liked by 1 person

  23. Good for you, Teagan! Taking a break opens up new thinking! I share your plan to post once a month, a new featured sunset and fellow blogger, and it’s working great. Maybe an extra post of an important event (recent death of a best friend). Funny, I find writing distressing, and researching ancestry on the internet (grandfather’s life for the book). Seems whatever fuels my passion makes me feel relaxed! Happy, stress free break, my friend! Hugs..💛.Christine

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Those sound like terrific ways to relax, Christine. Your post a month schedule seems to be going great. Loved the one about your sons.
      I’ll have a couple extra during October, reblogs. Thanks for visiting today. Great big hug.

      Liked by 1 person

  24. Thanks for checking in. Enjoy the break. I doodle so much during the day, that I think coloring would feel like work. Also, it might invoke memories of Mrs Ashman yelling at me for being over the line. My heart rate is rising already. I’ll go with some interesting conversation.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Well, like I said — I never could stay inside the lines. LOL. So I feel your pain. Conversation is a fabulous de-stresser, Dan. I expect there will be a great conversation over a beer at your blog tomorrow. Mega hugs.

      Liked by 1 person

  25. I write to de-stress. I think it must be like the coloring. I get so involved that whatever is going on in the world is on hold. Hugs back. I hope you enjoy the break and will stay in touch from time to time.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. And you write so well, John. Hopefully I’m in the process now of creating a positive change. Though it will be awhile before I know. Meanwhile I have a few things coming in October that I’ve done elsewhere that I can reblog here.
      I still want to write-in your boxer, Lucy, as a presidential candidate. 😉 Huge hugs.

      Liked by 1 person

  26. Good to hear from you, Teagan! Enjoy your break, but keep writing, even if it is just for yourself, finding whatever appeals to you. If you have ever seen any episodes of Ray Bradbury Theater, you may recall the intro where Bradbury is seated at his typewriter in his office, surrounded by all kinds of interesting objects collected during his life. He scans the room, looking for something to catch his eye, and his imagination, and then begins to type. Substitute yourself for Bradbury. I’ll be here to read and enjoy whatever you come up with.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. LOL, Lavinia… Thank you for this. ❤ But I can't stop myself from saying that even my ever widening posterior couldn't fill the chair of my hero Ray Bradbury. 😀
      Seriously though I don't recall that show. Maybe I can find an episode on youtube. I'd love to check it out.
      I do need to edit another chapter (which at least involves some writing). I couldn't get my head there last weekend, and did this post when I still couldn't today. Maybe tomorrow. There's been a bit of a "storm" so to speak for me to deal with all this week. I think i'm in the eye of the storm now, so maybe I'll be able to write. (For me, it's never lack of ideas or inspiration. Rather my head has to be in the right place, life has to be going well enough. If I'm stressed out I can't write…)
      I hope you are doing well, and that the matter on your plate goes well. Mega hugs.

      Liked by 1 person

        1. Oooh thanks for the Netflix tip, Lavinia. Netflix and Youtube are my only TV sources, and that’s plenty for me. I discontinued the DVDs, but I’ll check whether it’s available for streaming. More hugs.

          Like

  27. Nice video. A couple weeks ago my son took me to the ER, and when I got back home, my soon to be daughter-in-law, sent over her coloring book so I could use it to relax. I’m glad you’re using one, and that Crystal is enjoying the crayons.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. It’s great to see you Mary. I’m so glad you’re feeling better, and that your son was there for you. LOL, clearly the coloring book is not enough, nor the guided meditations. But you already know the main cause (though I’m not blogging about it), and changing that is probably the only way to improve things…
      But the coloring is great, while I’m doing it anyway. Mega hugs my friend.

      Liked by 1 person

  28. Great to hear from you, Teagan. My mother is very fond of colouring books, although as she’s still awaiting her other cataract operation her eyesight is not that great. I meditate, go for a walk, and read (although reading isn’t always destressing). Keep well!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Olga, I’m wishing all the best to your mom — and for all the back and forth you’ve been doing for so many months. I’m sure every moment of exercise and meditation is valuable to you. I’ve never been terribly good with meditating. However through this year, I’ve used “guided meditation” recordings on youtube when I turn out the lights to go to sleep. They are quite helpful to me then.
      Wishing you a wonderful weekend. Mega hugs.

      Like

Comments are closed.