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Ah, to be reclining on a beach chair right now with steel drums playing in the background and well-oiled cabana boys fetching us drinks. If you need a break from daily drudgery, here are some quick, easy and low- or no-cost tips for a rejuvenating getaway.

The simplest way to calm yourself down is to just breathe. Shut out the craziness around you and just close your eyes for a few moments and take long inhalations, then exhale sloooooowly.  With each exhalation, imagine yourself pushing out your worries. Focus on your breathing and practice total body relaxation from the tips of your toes to the top of your head.

Get away from it all for a while. The more hectic your schedule, the more important it is to make room for some “me time.” Go to a leisurely lunch, take a stroll, sit in a park and shut off the BlackBerry for just a while.

Create a spa escape. Is your bathroom merely functional? Turn it into a retreat. Take 20 minutes at night to light some votive candles, curl up with a glossy magazine and just soak in the tub. No kids or significant others allowed.

Feeling down? Curl up with your favorite comedy or upbeat movie. For two hours, shut off the phone, put away the laptop and just lose yourself in the cinematic experience.

Taking regular breaks allows you to recharge and handle life’s stressors more effectively. Spend some time pampering yourself and everybody wins.

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