***The Power of Wellbeing Tip of the Day: Relax

Have you ever felt stuck on the computer, frustrated and trying to resolve a software problem for hours? What did you do, keep trying? Instead, what happened when you took a five minute break and relaxed? Where you able to fix the problem in a couple of minutes?

Whether this feeling of rushing is self-imposed or real, the only way you’ll be able to maximize your resilience or ability to bounce back is to find effective ways to relax. While many people include this word in their vacation vocabulary, we all need to relax every single day. In contrast with vacation time, relaxing a bit every day will allow you to feel refreshed as you approach each and every challenge in this hectic world.

These are some tips to relax every day:

1) Physical Exercise: provides for direct health benefits for the body, the mind and the soul. Improved blood flow and oxygenation directly benefits your brain and heart. By increasing endorphin levels, you will also experience a sense of Wellbeing. While some people believe they can exercise, say, three ten-minute segments at a time, we can clearly tell when we get to “the zone” after 15-20 minutes of a repetitive exercise. According to the joint American Heart Association and the American College of Sports Medicine guidelines on physical activity, all healthy adults ages 18-65 should be getting at least 30 minutes of moderate intensity activity five days of the week. Repetitive exercises will facilitate your feeling of relaxation. In addition, some people prefer Yoga, dancing, taichi or qigong .

2) Meditation : Most meditation techniques start with deep breathing exercises. After taking a few deep breaths, you would allow your mind to wander without “forcing” it into any thought or feeling. Instead, all thoughts or feelings would flow naturally. Although it may be tough to get started, as with any other exercise , the more your practice, the easier it becomes. Many suggest you start your day with meditation .

3) Guided Imagery : techniques can also offer effective ways to relax. This technique is also induced by deep breathing and is followed by progressive relaxation exercises. The method varies depending on each facilitator style. I often use this technique in my practice and have developed my own style, incorporating exercises I have found helpful to my clients and patients. The whole process goes like this: the person takes two or three deep, relaxing breaths and is then guided toward relaxing each and every muscle group from head to toes or vice-versa. I then suggest they bring light into their body, adding a deep sense of warmth and Wellbeing. Additional techniques include focusing on specific energy points and alignment. Guided imagery exercises usually add grounding techniques, helping the person “come back” feeling refreshed, invigorated and with a deep sense of peace . These exercises take about ten to twenty minutes and many people relate the effects to taking an antianxiety pill. Guided imagery exercises offers a wonderful Power Nap in the middle of a hectic day at work.

4) Music : Listening to music or playing music may also help you relax during the day. You may not be able to play your favorite instrument at work but you may be able to take a five minute break and listen to your favorite music. You may also want to listen to music while you take a lunch or snack break at work. Although you may listen to the news while going to work, you may also want to add the company of great music by the Masters while driving. Taking a music break may be very helpful particularly if you feel stuck on an activity. This technique will help you shift your energy and refocus when you come back to what you need to do.

5) Be in the “here and now: ” It is vital to concentrate on each activity, one at a time, at the present moment, rather than driving in the car, listening to music, answering to business calls on the cellular phone while writing on a pad, eating a sandwich and punching in numbers to a PDA, all while driving! In essence, the trick is to be in the “here and now,” and nowhere else. It is those people who can be “busy on the outside, calm on the inside” who can truly create an integrated state of Wellbeing.

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