Showing posts with label meditate. Show all posts
Showing posts with label meditate. Show all posts

Sunday, July 25, 2021

Staying Strong in Crisis

As I write this, we have all been asked to shelter in place, staying home as much as possible, because of the pandemic. This puts pressure on both individuals, who may be very alone now, and couples, who may be struggling with needing alone time and space. Everyone is worried, and feeling stressed. Here's how to stay strong in this crisis.

1. To stay strong, stay connected to colleagues, friends and family members. Although you may not be able to be in personal and physical contact with people you care about, you can still use the telephone, video, FaceTime and other technology to see and talk with people who are close to you. You and your colleagues can talk and support each other through this crisis.

2. Take time to understand what you're feeling and experiencing. If you're having emotional reactions that are not normal to you, like angry outbursts or anxiety, take some time to feel the feelings. Don't be afraid to cry or express what you feel. If you can, write it down. It's amazing how writing down your fears makes them more manageable.

3. Talk to others who understand, and let them know how you feel and find out how they're feeling. Don't just say you're "fine" when someone asks. Let them know how you're doing for real, and find out about them. You'll feel a lot better after sharing and learning that others are having the same struggles. If you have children, play with them, and talk about how everyone feels.

4. Try to get some time outdoors, even if it's in your own back yard or a nearby park. Being around grass, trees and flowers helps relieve tension. Just keep your distance from others.

5. If you have a pet, cuddle with it. Petting a dog or cat can reduce stress, lower blood pressure and give you a mental break.

6. Talk to a mental health professional. Even if it's a phone or video session, talking with a mental health professional can help you understand your feelings and manage stress.

7. Meditate: If you can get some quiet alone time, just sit and focus on your breathing until you feel yourself relax. You can pray, or you can just sit quietly, counting your breaths.

8. Move: Walk around your yard or outdoors, as long as you are staying distant from other people. Walking rhythmically for ten or fifteen minutes can give you a chance to relax and de-stress.

9. Play soothing music: Angry rock or rap will probably not help, but soothing music, either classical, meditative or upbeat can help reduce your stress a lot.

I hope you are well and safe, and I'm wishing all of us a speedy end to this crisis.

© 2020 Tina B. Tessina It Ends With You: Grow Up and Out of Dysfunction

Author Bio: Tina B. Tessina, Ph.D. (www.tinatessina.com) is a licensed psychotherapist in S. California since 1978 with over 40 years' experience in counseling individuals and couples and author of 15 books in 17 languages, including Dr. Romance's Guide to Finding Love Today; It Ends With You: Grow Up and Out of Dysfunction. She writes the "Dr. Romance" blog, and the "Happiness Tips from Tina" email newsletter. Online, she's known as "Dr. Romance" and offers courses at GenerousMarriage.com Dr. Tessina appears frequently on radio, TV, video and podcasts. She tweets @tinatessina

Article Source: https://EzineArticles.com/expert/Tina_Tessina/34086

Friday, December 11, 2020

What's the Best Part of Your Day?

When's your favourite time, the best part of your day? When so many of us live full-on, busy lives, reaching our favourite, best part of the day can be akin to arriving at an oasis in the middle of the desert. It causes us to smile, breathe deeply and let go of all the stresses of the day.

At the start of lockdown I began taking a daily walk along the towpath near where I live. At first it was a sort of personal diary, taking photographs of the sunrise, beautiful scenery, the birds, wild flowers and then posting them onto social media. Over the weeks it's become a treasured, best part of the day for me. And others seem to enjoy it too.

Going out early morning means there are usually very few walkers, runners and cyclists around. It's lovely to sometimes exchange pleasantries with familiar faces or at other times have the towpath all to myself. And an early walk means I can manage the timing to avoid really wet weather, but also fit in with the other demands in my life. My walk is the motivation to get up and have some personal time, before I start the day well.

- Early risers often enthuse about going to bed early so they can get up and have time to meditate or get some fresh air before they start the day properly. For them, early mornings are the best time of the day. An early morning run, bike ride or visit to the gym gets their circulation moving, sets them up for the day and gives them personal time in order to start the day in a positive way.

- Equally, breaks throughout the day can be special times, providing the incentive to work and earn that reward. Going outside for a drink, maybe a catchup with friends or colleagues can give a welcome interlude during the day. It's good to be able to look forward to some time when you're able to reconnect with others or enjoy some quiet me time.



- In the midst of a difficult, complex or stressful time knowing you're due a breather can be a relief, provide respite and be the best part of the day. At those times you're able to pause, relax, ground yourself, maybe with some food or drink, or take a walk outside. That cup of tea, piece of fruit, few minutes with your eyes closed as you listen to music could offer an opportunity to reflect, clear your mind and then return feeling refreshed, stronger and ready to resume what you've set out to do.

- Is lunch looked forward to as a meaningful half-day marker, a time to sit, take a proper break and eat something tasty and nutritious? Maybe include time to read, have a short walk and enjoy doing something for yourself rather than hardly pausing as you race round town shopping and doing errands.

- For others, early evening is the best part of their day. There's the satisfaction of knowing that the day's tasks are finished for now. The journey home can be used as an opportunity to wind down, reflect on the evening ahead and look forward to seeing family, friends or maybe simply having relaxing alone time.

- Spending evenings with the children, being there for bathtime or reading them a bedtime story is often precious, much treasured time. The evening meal, cooking, walking the dog and feeling relaxed and satisfied as a busy day draws to a close is easily the best part of the day for many. All contributing to an 'end of day gathering' experience.

- Busy people often relax and enjoy the time when their children are tucked up in bed, when they're able to settle down with a drink, TV or have down time with their partner or friends. The prospect of an evening drink, conversation, leisurely bath as they close the door, kick off their shoes and wind down is understandably the best part of their day

For many of us there will be elements of each of these different times that intermittently cause us to relax, smile and feel that life is good. They can easily contribute to being viewed as the best part of the day. Which is your favourite?

Susan Leigh, counsellor, hypnotherapist, relationship counsellor, writer & media contributor offers help with relationship issues, stress management, assertiveness and confidence. She works with individual clients, couples and provides corporate workshops and support.

She's author of 3 books, 'Dealing with Stress, Managing its Impact', '101 Days of Inspiration #tipoftheday' and 'Dealing with Death, Coping with the Pain', all on Amazon & with easy to read sections, tips and ideas to help you feel more positive about your life.

To order a copy or for more information, help and free articles visit http://www.lifestyletherapy.net

Article Source: https://EzineArticles.com/expert/Susan_Leigh/399535


10 Morning Habits Geniuses Use To Jump Start Their Brain | Jim Kwik

  https://youtu.be/1sGyNx44Xw4 Here's some great morning habits from Jim Kwik to set you up for the day ahead