Our minds can be wonderful tools that create incredible ideas out of seemingly thin air, or remember small, precious moments that we never want to forget. However, they can also get in the way if we aren’t able to shut them off from time to time. In an effort to include a healthy balance of downtime no matter how busy your schedule, I’ve come up with five simple ways to help give your mind a break in order for you to truly relax and rejuvenate.
1. Meditate. Whenever I used to hear someone suggest meditation, I would reflexively assume it was difficult and then proceed to not attempt to follow their suggestion. But as I’ve begun to incorporate yoga into my weekly regimen, I’ve realized that meditation is as simple as sitting still (if in a chair – feet flat, sitting up straight; or sitting in lotus position on the floor), closing your eyes and breathing in deeply counting to three or four as you take a breath, and counting to three or four as you let your breath out. By counting as you are breathing, you are helping your mind focus on the task of simply breathing and nothing else. Do this for one minute, five minutes or 15 minutes – but trust me, it does help to calm you down and quiet your mind, even if only for a few moments.
2. Exercise. Choose to spend 20-30 minutes every day increasing your heart rate. Again, I keep it simple and choose to walk with my dogs as it is a task that is easier to follow consistently, but whatever you choose to do, even if you mix it up from time to time, notice the state of your mind before and after. I think what you will find is that you will feel less tense and more at ease. Just one more benefit of the simple routine of exercising.
3. Read a book. Part of the reason books (especially fiction) are helpful in turning off our minds is that they take us out of our world and either entertain us or help us to appreciate how wonderful our life is based on what is occurring to the characters in the book. Try to carve out some time once a day (even if it’s 10 minutes during your lunch break) to find a quiet spot and get lost in your current favorite book.
4. Take a bubble bath. Just the sound of running water can be soothing, so when drawing yourself a bath, create an environment that is calming – dim the lighting, light a candle or two and perhaps play music that slows everything down for the duration of your time with your bubbles.
5. Complete a creative task. Whenever I dive into completing a task – reorganizing my office, working in the yard, or cleaning out my closet, I can quickly become so focused that nothing else is occupying my mind. And upon completion, the feeling of satisfaction is extremely exhilarating.
Author: Shannon Ables Photo Source
