With summer months filled with work on top of day trips and keeping the family entertained, stress is inevitable. You may not recognize it initially, but it has a way of sneaking up when we least expect, and this tends to happen at the most inopportune times.
That’s where mindfulness and meditation come into play.
15 minutes of yoga, Pilates, or simple meditation every day will help you relax and become more aware of your thoughts and feelings. The best part? It doesn’t require a hefty investment of your time to be effective.
Follow these steps to reduce your worry:
Find a quiet place in the morning. When you get up, find a place where you won’t be disturbed. Sit straight on the floor or in a chair and begin to take big belly breaths. Allow your stomach to expand as you breathe through your nose. Then slowly exhale, through your nose or mouth.
As you continue to breathe, allow your mind to go blank. Try not to think about your to-do list. It’s time to relax. If you’re distracted and can’t focus, try thinking of imagery. Think about the sun shining with a bright blue sky or a peaceful stream in the woods. This will quiet your mind and lead to relaxation.
Continue to breath. Smile. Let happiness fill you. This is a good wake-up exercise too! Practice these instructions for 15 minutes a day (if that’s too long, start with 5 minutes and work up to 15 minutes). Do this every morning and your mindset will change!
If you do start to feel stressed, recognize it, close your eyes and take five deep breaths. Allow your mind to clear for a few minutes and you’ll be able to tackle the issue with a clearer, recharged mind and body.