Do you find that you are always on the go? Always running from one thing to the next without any time to slow down and appreciate your life? I think there is an epidemic of this in our society. Greg Balanko-Dickson wrote a post -Checking email from the toilet- that drives this point home.
Most of the people that I talk to find it difficult to make time to relax and unwind. In fact, most people think that they can't afford the luxury of relaxing... they think this will make them less productive. I emphatically disagree. People who are constantly working and on the go begin to lose connection with their inner self (our genius as Dick Richards calls it). Our inner self or core self is our storehouse of resources. Taking time to relax and get centered allows us to connect with our inner resources and we are then more productive and effective in everything we do.
However, our society has become so focused on the external that people have forgotten how to go inward. Many people have forgotten how to relax and BE... are you one of them?
Are you ready to change this pattern in your life and slow down a bit so that you can connect with your inner self and tap into your vast inner resources? Are you ready to achieve the greatness that you are meant to achieve? Here are some simple suggestions to help you relax, get centered, and turn your attention inward:
- Give yourself a minute or two after you wake up and before you get out of bed to visualize a productive and fabulous day. Set an intention for your day.
- In the shower, focus on your intention for the day and repeat affirmations to focus your mind.
- At work take a break every hour or so to stretch and take a few deep breaths. This doesn't need to be a long break... a minute or two will do.
- At lunch try mindful eating to help you relax and clear your mind. Keep your mind focused on the experience of eating - not on your 'to do' list.
- When you go to the bathroom during the day, take an extra 30-60 seconds to close your eyes and take a few deep breathes. Remember your intention for the day and repeat your daily affirmation.
- Take a minute or two at the end of the workday and do some more deep breathing and imagine all of your stress and tension melting away or place it in a helium balloon and watch as it floats away. Breathe in peace and relaxation.
- Take a few minutes in the evening and write in your gratitude journal.
- Right before falling asleep imagine yourself in a beautiful and peaceful place - perhaps the beach, a mountain top, or a grassy field.
Each of these exercises take only a minute or two so they can be easily incorporated into even the busiest of schedules. Start by picking a few of these ideas and incorporate them into your day. You will be amazed by the powerful affect on your life. Before long you will find yourself wanting to add more of these simple exercises to your daily routine. The more of these that you practice, the more effective you will be... leaving more time to relax and connect with your inner self... creating a virtuous cycle.
Before long you will realize that the real question is - can you afford the luxury of NOT taking time to connect with your inner self?
