I don’t know about you, but for me, real relaxation can be hard-won. Even though I know all the health benefits f of true relaxation, sometimes I don’t take the time to center and calm myself. That’s why I’m sharing some of the relaxation hacks I use in my daily practice.
1. Daily short reading
I like to start the day with a short, inspirational reading. I like Pocketful of Miracles by Joan Borysenko. The readings are super-short, but meaningful and always end with a meditation idea. Five minutes is all it takes.
2. Daily healing affirmation
I use my own deck to set the tone for a healthy day. The beauty of it is you don’t have to be sick to benefit–most of the affirmations are suitable for anyone.
3. Look around.
No, I mean REALLY look around. Stop where you are for a moment, whether it’s inside or out, and appreciate your surroundings. Really see the color around you. Listen. Smell. And if you can, touch. For just a moment. Then go back to what you were doing. That’s truly an easy relaxation hack!
The day I wrote this I ran an errand. Coming out of the store I could see the trees beginning to bud a light green, the mountains surrounding our valley. I felt the slight breeze as I walked down the sidewalk and noticed a woman carrying red shopping bags. I spoke to her about her “haul”. Grateful for all the many signs of life around me, I got into my car, smiling and relaxed.
4. Breathe.
When I do my affirmation or reading meditation or look around, I use my breath to calm my body. It’s something Ido with hypnotherapy clients in every session. It is virtually impossible to feel anxiety or stress when you have oxygenated with deep, slow breaths. Even though I am the hypnotherapist, I breathe along with my client. It’s amazingly relaxing.
Subscribers to my blog and newsletter get a free, short downloadable breathing meditation for busy people. And when I say short, I do mean short: two minutes in the morning, two minutes at noon and two at bedtime. Do it anywhere, any time and without a lot of fuss. To get yours, sign up HERE. It’s one of the subscriber freebies!
That’s it! Easy relaxation hacks you can use any time, anywhere at all. Let me know how they work for you.
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Stop and be still, read and breathe. In this world, not easy things. But sooo worth it!
All wonderful tips. I take my dogs for a walk in the morning and keep my phone in my purse so I can watch squirrels, trees, butterflies and just life passing by. It’s always such a great way to start the morning. And, of course, I pick up poop. LOL
Rebecca Forstadt Olkowski recently posted…Mantra for Boomers: Make the Rest of Your Life the Best of Your Life