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Relaxation Strategies Worth Time and Effort |
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Think you don’t have time to relax? Then you are probably the person who needs it the most. In our hectic, fast-paced, fill every second of the day lives, relaxation has taken a back seat. Many people are so focused on multi-tasking and checking off the numerous items on their “to-do” list that they have totally neglected the restorative needs of their body. The ravages of our overdrive mentality are taking their toll on our sanity as well as our health. On a daily basis we are confronted with signs of overwhelmed, overextended, stressed-out people. The telltale signs of this lifestyle include anger, impatience, anxiety and exhaustion. While there is no quick fix that addresses each individual’s source of tension and discontent, there are ways of facilitating physical and emotional calm. Practicing relaxation strategies regularly combats the effects of stress and shuts out worldly chaos. Devoting just 15 minutes a day to tuning inward will help you cope with the demands of that day. Here are three basic relaxation techniques to get you started: · Breath work. Focusing on your breathing is a simple yet effective means of calming down. It can be done during a stressful encounter or as part of your daily routine. Begin by taking note of your current respiratory pattern. When you’re relaxed, you breathe slowly and deeply. Excitement, fear and agitation alter this pattern to quick, shallow breaths. However, with conscious effort, you can shift your breathing back to its preferred state. During the exercise, inhale through your nose and exhale through your mouth. Count the number of seconds it takes you to inhale and force yourself to extend that number by one to two seconds as your exhale. (For example, if your inhaled to a count of three, exhale to a count of four or five.) Prolonging the exhalation phase forces your body to relax and your breathing rate to slow down.
· Guided Imagery. This technique can be accomplished with the aid of an imagery tape or you can perform it utilizing your own creativity. Sit or lie down in a comfortable position with your body well supported. Next, close your eyes and conjure up a pleasant, relaxing image. You can visualize something that you have actually experienced, such as a favorite vacation spot, or something that you perceive to be relaxing, such as floating on a cloud. In your mind’s eye, create a sanctuary for yourself. Take note that wherever you are, it is safe and stress free. It is normal for our active brain to resist this technique, so if your mind wanders, gently bring it back to your sanctuary. Be sure to capture the centered, peaceful feeling that results from guided imagery and carry it with you throughout the day.
· Quiet Time. When was the last time that you had 15 minutes of uninterrupted time? Quiet time---no kids, no phone, no demands. Alone time is a great way to fortify yourself for the day ahead or wind down before bed. I think it is even more beneficial if you can spend your quiet time communing with nature. This could be as easy as sitting in your backyard or taking a walk outside. Take note of nature’s beauty—the sky, the trees and yes, even the snow. You may also find that forging a connection with nature heightens your sense of divine connection in the process.
In a life so jam-packed with activities, it is easy to believe that you don’t have time to counteract the stress. However, failing to do so comes at a hefty price. Often the price includes loss of peace of mind as well as vitality. When this occurs, it isn’t long before your life begins spiraling out of control. So ask yourself, isn’t your sanity worth 15 minutes a day?
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