What is your balance retreat? What realigns your mind with your body; degresses the stress and hassles?
Mine is hiking in nature. There is nothing like taking a walk through some gorgeous views of nature, knowing that you are far from city noise pollution, being indulged by the sounds of the birds chirping, the crickets buzzing or hearing the squirrels rustle in the trees (those are squirrels rustling, right?). It allows me to reenter everyday life with a sense of feeling renewed and refreshed.
Do you realize how important it is to make time for yourself?
Taking time out for yourself allows you to
- get back in touch with everything you love about your life
- lowers blood pressure
- reduces anxiety & depression
- increases happiness
- and enhances the immune system
Unfortunately, I don’t seem to have time for myself to realign my mental and physical status. If you follow my blog, you know that I commute 2 – 2.5 hours each day, work a full-time job, raise a family, the cats, fish, and hummingbirds. Meaning, it leaves little time for myself. *sigh*
Well, I need to change that because I have felt the stresses taking over my life for some time now. And I don’t think it is right to feel tense and irritable everyday (I am sure my family members will agree with me, too).
Well, I am going to put aside my gripes about why I don’t have time and follow these steps listed below. And if you feel any tension in your life I would suggest you try it, too! Your all around health is important to you and your loved ones.
- Decide where you can feel comfortable, secluded and relaxed.
- Plan when you can take a mini retreat. The easiest way is to go to bed a little earlier at night so you wake up with time for 15 minutes of quiet
- Choose a purpose. Perhaps you wish to read a book, stroll around the gardens, reflect on your relationship, watch the birds, or drink a cup of tea in silence to slow down and let go of that anxiety
- Establish rituals. Focus you senses, light a candle, and play some special music to relax. Or pick up the knitting needle, sketch or stitch. And when you are done with with your few minutes of relaxation move slowly back into you day. Reflect on the calmness that surrounds you. Then, make a promise to yourself to retreat again and mark it on your calendar
Relax, breathe, feel your surroundings, and enjoy…
