the art of relaxing

Some people innately know how to relax. They can slow down and just chill, not worrying about bills, housework, what they'll be doing months from now, et cetera.


Then there's my group- people who have to learn to relax and just be. 


There are so many health reasons to spend time relaxing, including meditation. Unwinding, decompressing or letting go of stress can help with our blood pressure, headaches, many of the heart problems people suffer from, and pain.


For those of us with Fibromyalgia and/or autoimmune diseases relaxation can significantly lower our pain levels, and, a very important factor, help us enjoy our lives more.


So, how does one relax? Many of us are wound so tight we might snap. (Not that I can relate...) It is a process. We don't need to achieve Zen immediately. We can start with some simple steps.


The first step that helped me was to walk slower. It sounds silly but many of us have a speedy stride no matter what we're doing and that keeps us wound up. And while you're walking slower, try smiling.


Second, but not for everyone, is meditation. There are books on meditation, CDs, even apps for phones and Ipads. The idea is to clear your mind so that you can relax. My favorite anytime, anyplace mediation is to take 21 deep breaths, focusing on the air going in through the nose and out through the mouth. When mind chatter starts, acknowledge the thought than let it go.


Third, find an easy activity like reading, knitting, watching movies or sports, playing word games. Reading and word games keep me relaxed and I can let go of listing what chores need to be done and what we need from the store and...


Fourth, be creative and find what relaxes you. Is it sitting in the sun with a magazine, especially the gossip ones? Is it painting or drawing? (I prefer coloring books.) Or, maybe you play an instrument. Is it playing your guitar, drums, piano or another instrument?


Fifth, don't feel guilty about relaxing. We all need to do it, some more than others. Guilt is a wasted feeling. It isn't even an emotion. It's something we do to ourselves and we don't deserve that. Life is certainly hard enough without carrying guilt on our shoulders.


There are many steps, however, if we're good to ourselves and slow down a bit, relaxation will be easier to come by.


Walk slower and keep smiling. Enjoy the simple act of relaxation. You deserve it.


peace and love,
sunee