I am often told that I have two gears and two gears only, all go or nothing. Relaxation for me seems to fall under a good nights sleep but truly it should be more than that. With all the input and multitasking and lists of things to do each day and all the knowledge to assimilate and the multiple layers of input, how do you cope with your life today?
Stress is in everyone's life, there is no avoiding it and there is good stress called eustress such as a wedding or a new job that you were hoping to get but there also is the stress that brings you down and it could be work related or family related and even spousal influences that just add layer upon layer to your everyday life. How do you cope with all this input and how do you destress?
Do you ever just take a moment to breathe? Sighing is your body telling you to slow down and breathe, huh- are you listening? Sit comfortable and roll your head from side to side and now sit up and move your belly and take deep cleansing breathes. Try to do about five breathes and see if it doesn't make you yawn. Try holding that breath for several seconds and then relax. It is amazing how it can re-energize you and clear your thoughts.
Another practice is meditation and or guided imagery. I often focus on a word, such as love or forgiveness and just keep repeating that in my head. If your mind wanders as does mine, simply try to refocus and start again or you can actually be mindful of where your thoughts are going. I also use guided imagery alot. I have a beautiful place in the woods on a river and when there I sit on the porch and watch the humming birds and watch the river roll by. I often can slide my thoughts to that river and that spot and just think of the peacefulness and calm I feel in that moment.
Now it may all sound silly to you but it is a practice that gets better the more you use it and you may find yourself de-escalating the impact of the days trials and tribulations and for that I am extremely grateful and accepting and open to doing this types of activities. I just need to remind myself that I have these tricks at my disposal and it is worthwhile to take a moment or two and practice it. Suddenly you feel the tension of your shoulders reduce, your breathing becoming calmer and maybe even an inside smile as you are mentally taken to a calmer place. For those of you that think I am fruitloops, that is ok too as at least I have put a smile on your face. Oh yes, I am a firm believer in laughter and one of my most constant tools but be aware there is a time and a place so check for appropriateness. In the meantime, make it a great