Internal chatter. Seemingly endless streams of thoughts. Boy, our minds sure like to talk, don’t they? With all that’s going all and all that we have to do, it leaves very little time for our minds to just relax, unwind, and de-stress.
Have you considered that perhaps our minds are in serious need of downtime? It helps us so much that it deserves some time to indulge, too. But because of our fast-paced lives and busy schedules, our first objection is always that we “have no time” to just relax.
But that’s not true, and you know it: instead of spending time idling in front of the TV set this afternoon, take that time to treat your mind to some savory relaxation. It doesn’t take much time, even less money, and yet provides you with a clear and refreshed mind. You’ll be ready and fully pumped in no time.
Think only the affluent can afford spas? Think only the monks can meditate? Well, think again: with a little bit of creativity, you can create your little own temporary sanctuary right in your home.
Ready to begin? Well, let’s go!
Forget the lotus position; take out your favorite comfy chair. Follow these simple steps to a quick and easy way to meditatei:
- Find a chair where you can sit comfortably and quietly.
- Keep your legs uncrossed, feet flat on the floor, and hands laid loosely on your lap.
- Close your eyes.
- Take deep breaths, gently breathing into your abdomen (your stomach should expand).
- Concentrate on your breathing, and remove your focus from the chatter of your mind.
- Relax. Repeat steps 4 and 5. Relax again.
Don’t try to stop thinking; it usually makes you think more! Instead, try to simply not attach your attention to your thoughts and focus on your breathing and relaxing instead. You’ll feel yourself breathing away your stress in a matter of minutes.
Ready to move on? You’ve got it.
After you have relaxed your mind, it’s time to relax your body.
Find a place where you can be undisturbed. Remove all distractions. Turn off your cell phone. Secure momentary isolation, and then try these suggestions:*
- Sight: Get rid of clutter. You can’t relax in a messy room. If you have access to fresh-cut flowers, set some out in a vase, and then dim the lights.
- Sound: Put on some music. Anything that you enjoy and helps you relax will do.
- Smell: Light some aromatherapy candles or incense sticks. Ylang-ylang, bergamot, and lemongrass are good for reducing stress. Take deep breaths and focus on relaxing your face, neck, shoulders, arms, and legs.
- Taste: Have some of your favorite herbal tea handy.
- Touch: Nothing feels better than a massage. Try one.
Once you’re done, wrap yourself up in your softest bathrobe, put on your favorite tune, crawl into a warm and cozy bed, close your eyes, and relax.
Your whole body, especially your mind, will feel like brand new.
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iParrish and Christie. Healthy You. Better Homes and Gardens. May 2007.