We all go through times in our day, our week and month, where you wish you could just relax for a bit.. 15 or even 10 minutes would be appreciated.
Just in case you didn't already know, (but I am sure you do), relaxation helps your body re-energize, the problem usually is you are so caught up in the moment and busy with your 'routine' that you just do not have, or forget to take, the time to unwind.
Well, lucky for you, you are reading this, for there are simple ways to chill, easy ways to relax, even during your busiest days. These simple and easy ways do not even require a lot of time or equipment (cause who wants to lug around equipment right?)
Okay so here are you 5 Simple and Easy Relaxation Tips:
For Those Time at Work: Trust me when I say I know it hard to find time to relax at work. Heck, sometimes you risk getting into trouble if you are spotted "relaxing." Oh the horror! None the less, here are some techniques you can do while you are at work that will help create a sense of calm and will not be too to others.
If your job requires you to sit at a computer all day, make sure you get up and move around for a few minutes every hour. This helps circulate the blood throughout your body. Just moving the blood flow will make you feel more alert and focused. When I do this I also add in some arm movements, snapping fingers to music anything to get that blood flowing.
While sitting at your desk, roll your head around, from side to side and from front to back with your eyes closed. This technique helps to relieve neck tension, increasing blood flow to your brain, which is a natural and easy way to relax. Also roll your shoulders forward a few times then backwards a few times again driving that tension out of your neck.
If you are on your feet all day, stretch out your back and sides by standing with your feet firm on the floor, shoulder width apart, and twist your upper body, including your head, slowly from side to side. This will loosen up your back muscles and spine, releasing tension throughout your body. A great tip here is to stretch slowly the first time with your hand out so you can see how far around you stretched. Now close your eyes and visualize yourself going a little bit further. Then, open your eyes and repeat the stretch, you will be surprised to find that you actually to do a bit further.
During a break or lunchtime, go for a walk. Walking is a great way to clear your mind and your body will benefit from the extra exercise as well. This also gets the blood flowing like I mentioned a little earlier. I like to do this with an music, I find it quickens my pace, enhancing the value of the walk.
While shopping: Rather than focusing on the negative because you think there are not enough cashiers all the lines are 5+ people deep, each with carts loaded full of things to buy, use the time to relax your body by taking some deep breaths.
Deep breathing helps increase the oxygen in your blood. Your blood then circulates that extra oxygen throughout your body helping your inner systems recharge.
Taking five slow deep breaths will do the trick. The proper technique is to inhale and exhale deeply through your nose and out your mouth.
Not only will deep breathing help you relax, it'll help to clear your mind, reduce brain fog, and you'll feel much more alert and ready to tackle the next project on your plate.
Deep breathing can be done anywhere when you're feeling stressed or just want to clear your mind.
I also like to add in counting the breath in then counting the breath out. By tapping my thumb on each of my fingers - while inhaling: 1 (tapping pinky), 2 (tapping ring finger), 3 (tapping middle finger), 4 (tapping index finger) then exhale while counting 1 (tapping index finger), 2 (tapping middle finger), 3 (tapping ring finger), 4 (tapping pinky) repeat. This helps you elongate your breath and changes your focus from the outside world to your fingers.
While rushing all through you day: Pause to take a few moments and daydream let yourself escape the hectic shackles of reality - dream like child on the night before Christmas (or your birthday or whatever day your inner child would dream the biggest).
Daydreaming set your imagination free, letting flow, causing instant relief from the inner stress of the 'real' world.
Think of a place or experience that makes you feel happy or calm. Imagine how it smells, how the air feels, and who's around. Do not take this one lightly, our minds treat our strong mental images as if they were real - so really let your mind build that picture for you... really feel the warm breath of the air causing your shirt to ripple and hair to wave, smell the aromas around you whether they be cookies mama is making or the ocean as the waves are crashing.
You will find that after about five minutes of a soothing daydream you will feel relaxed, reenergized and even ready to face the real world again with a much better attitude and outlook towards it.
For EVERYWHERE, smile: Smiling is proven to help you relax and rejuvenate your body.
When you're out and about, smile at others around you. Now I do not mean crazy stalker smile, but a comfortable polite and warm smile.
When you are at work, smile at your co-workers. Not only will it help you relax, it will help relax them as well.
Smile at your children when you're toting them around to all their different activities. This will create a peaceful environment you will all enjoy. You will find when you sincerely smile at them they will smile back. What more relaxing heart-warming thing can you image then to have a child smiling up at you?
For When it is Going Really Tough, laugh: This is the next step up from a smile (obviously) Laughter as well has been proven to be an instant stress reliever. Now I am pretty sure you would not want to be seen as a nut case (like the stalker smile in noted above), so laughing out loud when you're in line at the store or sitting at your desk may not be the best time. But hey who am I to judge, I do both of those and am usually able to pull it off, but... When you can, get someone involved in your laughter with you.
Tell a funny joke or story to a co-worker (an appropriately funny joke/story at an appropriate time, of course).
Play a fun game or sing a silly song with your kids as you're driving. My daughter and I have become quite skilled at changing lyrics of songs on the radio to make ourselves giggle and those giggle warm the heart and relax the body.
Watch funny videos on YouTube or any number of other funny video sites. One rather stressful weekend at my house was quickly relieved by a few minutes of funny animal videos, the few minutes turn into about an hour and we were all tearing up from laughing so hard.
Using these easy and yes simple, relaxation techniques will help you sustain a level of calm and strengthen you throughout your day. It will also make it easier for you to unwind when you get home. Your friends, co-workers, and family will all appreciate the new, the improved and far more relaxed you!
Think Successfully & Take Action!
Tracy Brinkmann
Tracy Brinkmann is an goal setting and success coach. Through his company Success Atlas, he provides goal-setting, motivational & educational material, as well as training via live presentations & digital/audio.
Check-out his blog at: http://YourSuccessAtLast.com
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