Tonight, with November elections over and finals ahead I want to share some relaxation techniques with you. Life is crazy sometimes, but there is every reason in the world to enjoy it! These techniques and exercises are easy to do, and don't take more than 30 minutes MAX. The difference in your mental clarity for the day, and as you practice more, can be phenomenal. Basically, you get what you put into it!
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Nature and The City: View from Coit Tower Sarah Valentine, 2010 |
I found some great scripts on-line. Use your phone, computer or Ipod to record yourself reading the scripts. I found that hearing my own voice giving me positive emotional feedback and using self-affirming language was really helpful. I recommend printing out a script of your choice then recording it. Practicing alone was helpful for me, but if a partner, friend or family member is interested, that social support can be wonderful and very motivating. Don't be afraid to change words, images or stretches to fit your individual needs. It might hurt, emotionally or physically as you explore, so be aware of your body and see a doctor if you experience physical pain.
This is a great way to get started with meditation. It focuses on the tensing and relaxing of muscles to increase self-awareness. This practice is often associated with yoga, and is an awesome way to get back in touch with your body or increase your energy.
I recommend trying Part I for a week, then moving on to incorporate both Part I and Part II. Visualization is only effective if it MEANS something to YOU. It is most beneficial to choose visualization images that are powerful, so it's a great idea to think of a problem/issue you have and try to focus on that. See it from a new perspective, and you may gain new insight. Be patient in your search and let your mind/body tell you what it needs.
All of these are easily incorporated into your daily life. after all, it's the "little things," the small daily hassles that kill you not the major life changes. You'll find after a couple weeks of practicing these it is easy to commit them to memory. Use them OFTEN, and you'll notice an increase in calmness. Find the best fit for you.
After you experience some of these scripts, you might be inspired to WRITE YOUR OWN... give it a try!
"Man is nothing else but what he makes himself.... You are free, therefore choose- that is to say invent"
- Jean-Paul Sartre
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| California Poppy and the K-Line Sarah Valentine, 2010 |
Happy healing and good luck,
Sarah Valentine
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