They say if you want to learn how to get things done, ask a busy person. 

There’s truth to that and to this: if you want to learn how to become a ball of stress, ask a busy person. Being busy is often worn as a badge of honor. It’s great to be productive, but it is also vital to practice the art of unwinding and rejuvenating.  

Let’s dive into the transformative health benefits of giving ourselves permission to hit the pause button and recharge.

Mental Clarity and Creativity

First up, mental rejuvenation. 

Ever notice how your best ideas come to you not when you’re hunched over your laptop at midnight but perhaps during a quiet walk or a leisurely shower? 

That’s no coincidence. 

Taking time to relax and do things we enjoy like reading a book, meditating, or simply daydreaming, can significantly boost our mental clarity and creativity. Take it from me and the science people who conduct sciency studies like the ones mentioned here. 

Stress Reduction

The bad: chronic stress can wreak havoc on our bodies, leading to problems like hypertension, heart disease, and a weakened immune system. 

The good: stepping back and engaging in non-stressful activities like yoga, painting, or baking, allows us to downshift from the high alert state and reduce the levels of stress hormones like cortisol. 

Speaking of baking, did you know that stressed spelled backward is desserts? 

And racecar spelled backward is racecar, but that’s neither here nor there. 

Improved Physical Health

Recharging has tangible physical health benefits, too.

Adequate rest and relaxation can help lower blood pressure, reduce the risk of stroke, and improve sleep quality. When we’re well-rested, our body’s systems are in better balance, from our heart to our digestive system, enhancing overall health and vitality. 

Also, when we’re well-rested, we’re the non-jerk versions of ourselves. 

Enhanced Emotional Well-being

If scheduling me-time sounds selfish, then cool. 

When we carve out moments just for us, it’s like giving our emotional health a big, strong shield, keeping those tough anxiety and depression gremlins at bay. Diving into activities that fill our batteries—be it painting, dancing in our living room, or sipping a cup of tea—can really crank up the happiness volume. 

It’s all about lighting up our mood and seeing life with those rose-tinted glasses firmly on.

Strengthened Relationships

I’m going to let you in on a little secret: when we feel better, it helps our relationships. 

Just blew your mind, didn’t I? 

When we’re all juiced up and feeling top-notch, the people around us get to enjoy the best version of us, too. Suddenly, we’re there in the moment, way more chill and ready to really listen. By giving ourselves this dose of TLC, we’ve got so much more love and patience to spread around. 

Your mission, should you choose to accept it—and you should—is to carve out time in your calendar to take it easy. 

🚨SHAMELESS PLUG ALERT🚨

With all this talk about chillaxing, we just have to tell you about our Inner Zen Relaxation Gift Basket. Built in a faux leather storage box, this gift oozes calm with a mini Buddha Board drawing easel, color in ceramic mug, black raspberry vanilla soap, black raspberry vanilla hand cream, and more. 

Enjoy the Zen.

About BasketWorks

BasketWorks is a woman-owned gift basket company located in the north suburbs of Chicago (specifically Northbrook, IL) since 1997. We are proud to offer a variety of gifts and gift baskets appropriate for all occasions. Each of our packages is built to order, allowing for customization at no additional cost to our clients. Contact us today!

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Valentine’s Day, a celebration of love, affection, and 10pm dinner reservations due to last minute planning is observed not just in the US of A, but across the globe. 

Indeed, some countries stick to the traditional chocolates and flowers, but others have unique customs that make February 14th a day to remember. I invite you to surf Cupid’s arrow for a 

love-filled journey around the world to explore five distinct Valentine’s Day traditions.

1. Wales: Love Spoons

I know, I had to do a double take, too, but I’m not here to judge. 

Yes, Welsh tradition holds a unique craft at its romantic core: the carving of love spoons. These wooden spoons are intricately carved and presented as symbols of love and affection. 

With designs featuring hearts, keys, and locks, they are meant to showcase a suitor’s skills and commitment.

That’s a low bar. Doh, I’m being judgy again!

2. Japan: Chocolate with a Twist

Japan’s got the egalitarian spirit down pat. 

Over there, Valentine’s Day takes an interesting turn, with women presenting men with chocolates—but it doesn’t end there. The following month, on White Day, men return the favor, often with more elaborate gifts. 

This unique exchange highlights the reciprocal nature of love and relationships in Japanese culture…and demonstrates how they’re much better at Valentine’s Day than we are. 

3. South Korea: A Love Marathon

South Korea takes home the gold medal in terms of Valentine’s Day thoughtfulness. 

Those who find themselves without romantic gifts on February 14th can look forward to Black Day on April 14th, where singles gather to enjoy Jajangmyeon (black bean noodles) and celebrate or commiserate their single status.

4. Denmark: Snowdrops and Joke Letters

Those Danes are some funny rascals. 

Valentine’s Day in Denmark is characterized by the exchange of lover’s cards and humorous joke letters known as “gaekkebrev.” 

I don’t know about you, but saying “gaekkebrev” out loud is funny enough that I wouldn’t need to read the actual letter. Also, I don’t know Danish. 

This playful tradition adds a lighthearted touch to the Danish expression of love, while the gifting of snowdrops (delicate white flowers) adds a layer of sappiness…I mean,  traditional beauty.

5. Philippines: Mass Weddings

The Philippines celebrates Valentine’s Day with grandeur and a sense of community through mass wedding ceremonies. These events, often sponsored by the government, allow couples to tie the knot in a shared, festive atmosphere, making the day truly memorable.

That sounds wonderful! Except for the part where you just want to celebrate Valentine’s Day without committing yourself to marriage. 

The global celebration of Valentine’s Day reminds us that, while the language of love may vary, its message is universal and that saying “gaekkebrev” five times will cause you to belly laugh. 

💘SHAMELESS PLUG ALERT💘

Want to give a Valentine’s Day gift to remember? 

Duh, of course you do. Check out our heart-shaped Eat Your Drink! gift box, featuring—hold on to your hat—alcoholic gummies from Smith & Sinclair. You heard that correctly. They are blended with the craftsmanship of a classic cocktail, boasting an array of premium flavors, including Amaretto Sour, Bourbon Old Fashioned, Cinnamon Whisky, Elderflower Gin Spritz, Gin & Tonic, Mandarin Spritz, Mocha Espresso Martini, Moscow mule, Passion Fruit Martini, and more! 

Bottoms up, Bon Appétit, and Happy Valentine’s Day!

About BasketWorks

BasketWorks is a woman-owned gift basket company located in the north suburbs of Chicago (specifically Northbrook, IL) since 1997. We are proud to offer a variety of gifts and gift baskets appropriate for all occasions. Each of our packages is built to order, allowing for customization at no additional cost to our clients. Contact us today!

Please subscribe to our blog post and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Threads and LinkedIn.