There is so much going on in the world around us that the state of our mind can become overwhelmed. Know that peace of mind is only a matter of your deciding that you want it. You deserve it, it’s good for you, and it takes less time than you think.
Your mind will answer most questions if you learn to relax and wait for the answer.
William S. Burroughs
As wonderful as it would be, you don’t need a spa weekend or a retreat to unwind. Each of these tips will help you to reach relaxation every day, right in your own home:
- Meditate: A few minutes of practice per day can help ease anxiety. It’s simple. Sit up straight with both feet on the floor. Close your eyes. Focus your attention on reciting (out loud or silently) a positive mantra such as “I feel at peace” or “I love myself.” Place one hand on your belly to sync the mantra with your breaths. Let any distracting thoughts float by like clouds.
- Breathe Deeply: Take a 5-minute break and focus on your breathing. Sit up straight, eyes closed, with a hand on your belly. Slowly inhale through your nose, feeling the breath start in your abdomen and work its way to the top of your head. Reverse the process as you exhale through your mouth.
- Be Present: Slow down. When you spend time in the moment and focus on your senses, you should feel less tense.
- Tune In to Your Body: Mentally scan your body to get a sense of how stress affects it each day. Lie on your back, or sit with your feet on the floor. Start at your toes and work your way up to your scalp, noticing how your body feels.
- Decompress: Place a warm heat wrap around your neck and shoulders for 10 minutes. Close your eyes and relax your face, neck, upper chest, and back muscles. Remove the wrap, and use a tennis ball or foam roller to massage away tension.
- Music Therapy: Research shows that listening to soothing music can lower blood pressure, heart rate, and anxiety. On the other hand, dancing and singing to rock/pop tunes will help release tension.
- Get Moving: All forms of exercise, including yoga and walking, can ease depression and anxiety by helping the brain release feel-good chemicals and by giving your body a chance to practice dealing with stress. You can go for a quick walk around the block, take the stairs up and down a few flights, or do some stretching exercises to feel the benefits.
- Be Grateful: Keep a gratitude journal or several (one by your bed, one in your purse, and one at work) to help you remember all the things that are good in your life. Use these journals to savor good experiences like a child’s smile, a sunshine-filled day, and good health.
The main thing to do is relax and let your talent do the work.
Charles Barkley
Even in the best of times, for example on vacation, we need to find ways to relax. Next time if someone says, “Just Relax” you will have the tools to do it.
Organizing, Growing, and Finding Peace Together 