With all that has happened in the year 2020 with Covid-19, this is a perfect time to revamp and refocus the mind to help provide stress relief. Taking five to ten minutes to practice relaxation and meditation each day helps you feel more refreshed. The following exercises can be done almost anywhere. Try different practices until you find what works best for you.
Calm your mind
Find a quiet place where you won't be disturbed. Then:
Find a place to sit comfortably. Take off your shoes. Turn off your cell phone. Take deep breaths in and out.
Focus your mind on a peaceful thought or word. (repeating words in your mind to relax muscle tension)
When other thoughts enter your mind, relax and refocus. Let the invading thoughts fall away.
When you're done, stand up slowly and stretch your arms over your head. With practice, this exercise can help you feel renewed and restored.
Benefits: Some of the benefits to relaxation and stress reduction are lowering blood pressure, improving blood flow to major muscles, improving concentration, increasing your confidence, and reducing frustration. We all have our preferred choice on how we enjoy relaxing, whether it be physical or spiritual. Use what works best for you.
Calm your body
With practice, you can use mental cues to tell your body how to feel.
Sit comfortably and clear your mind. A few deep breaths will help.
Mentally focus on your left hand and repeat to yourself, "My left hand feels warm and heavy." Keep doing this until your hand does feel heavier and warmer.
Repeat the exercise using your right hand. Then focus on your arms, legs, and feet until your whole body feels relaxed.
When you're done, stand up slowly and stretch your arms overhead.
Visualization
Visualization is like taking a mental vacation. It frees your mind while keeping your body in a calm state. Ever noticed how relaxing candlelight can be? The cozy glow and the comforting warmth candles give off create the ideal atmosphere for a relaxing evening. Your environment is everything so be creative. Picture yourself feeling warm and relaxed. Choose a peaceful setting that appeals to you and fill in the details. If you imagine a tropical beach, listen to the waves on the shore. Feel the sun on your face and your toes in the white soft sand. By using the power of your mind, you can take a soothing break when you need to. (#vacation, #beach, #lake, #relax)
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