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We live in
an incredibly stressful world where we expect so
much from ourselves. Between work, raising a
family, or just dealing with our other
responsibilities and obligations, sometimes we
don’t always take the best care of ourselves.
Sure, you
may hit the gym and eat well. But how often do
you take the time to relax?
Think about
it.
Relaxation
is an incredibly important ingredient to staying
healthy. But between all the stresses of the
day, who has time to relax, you may be thinking.
You need to
make the time. That’s right. Just like you
schedule in the time to eat dinner, go to the
gym, or do other things that are good for you,
you also need to schedule time to just relax.
It’s
amazing how much more invigorated, alive, and
healthy you’ll feel when you regularly relax.
So, how
often should you have focused relaxation time?
Well, try
several times a day. Okay, I know what you’re
thinking! There are days you feel you don’t have
the time to eat lunch, let alone relax!
The good
news is, relaxation doesn’t have to take a lot
of time, and there are definitely times where
you can squeeze it in.
Try these
suggestions:
•
Designate 30 minutes per day to silence.
It’s
amazing how all the noise in our lives can
create stress. Don’t think you have 30 minutes?
How about your commute to work? Turn off the
radio and let your mind wander.
• Take
one mini-break per hour.
Sitting at
your desk for hours on end isn’t good for your
body or your mind. Get up and stretch, or take a
walk. Take your mind off the task at hand for
just five minutes, and you’ll be amazed at your
enthusiasm when you return to it!
•
Breathe!
When you
are feeling stressed or overwhelmed, whether
it’s because deadlines are looming or you’re
late to your child’s soccer game, take a time
out and just breathe. Try taking deep, cleansing
breaths in through the nose, and exhaling
through the mouth.
•
Meditate.
There are
several books and tapes that can show you
different techniques of meditation, but for
starters choose a quiet room with no
distractions, and try sitting for 10 minutes.
Empty your
mind, and try concentrating on your breathing or
on an external noise. If your mind begins to
fill up with chatter, consciously empty it. The
more you do this, the better you’ll get at it.
•
Remember your regular chiropractic adjustments.
Chiropractic care ensures that the mind and body
are working in harmony. And, what can aid in the
relaxation process more than that. |
Not
only does exercising outdoors help you stay fit
and healthy, it’s also great for your mood!
There’s nothing like the sun shining down on you
while you break a sweat to increase those
endorphins!
