Discover 5 simple me-time techniques to help you reduce stress and have more fun and quiet times in your day.
Am having a lazy Sunday morning lie-in and I randomly came across this article and thought “wow, what a gem.”
Timeless wisdom.
Gotta reshare.
So here it is!
Blessings and welcome dear yogis, friends and students. Thanks for returning and sharing your light and love. I trust you are well and enjoy today’s post. Thank you.
Why Balance Is Essential To Your Life
As a yoga teacher I encourage students to breathe and seek balance in their life – on and off the mat. As we all know, this is easier to achieve when you are in the calm and quiet of your yoga lesson. Off the mat, students say there is so much going on in their everyday life that it is hard to “be balanced, calm and peaceful” throughout their day. As my daughters and ex-husband can tell you, I definitely get worked-up, snappy and ratty over minor things…learning to recognise when I’m losing it and being able to regain my calm is a gift I owe to my daily yoga practice.
What Is Balance?
In a way it’s easier to state what balance isn’t.
I am sure you have experienced moments of rage, anger, frustration and overwhelm. When you feel these emotions or experience pain in your body, such as back pain, tension headaches, joint pain and adverse health problems as high blood pressure, high cholesterol or ulcers, 9 times out of ten, it is an indication that your body is out of balance. Pain is your body’s way of telling you to slow down, tune in and seek a way to restore and regain your inner balance.
From a yogic perspective, we are constantly striving to seek balance, union with the divine.
Your body has an inbuilt GPS system – the parasympathetic branch of the central nervous system is designed to support your body to rest, restore and repair the damage from the stresses and strains you face in your everyday life.
Constantly striving for perfection, living life in the fast lane, rushing from one appointment to causes havoc with your body’s natural restorative healing properties. Relentless stress and feeling you have to be all things to all men makes it difficult for you to calm down, rest and relax; in fact I recall many beginner yoga students state that they feel uncomfortable and find it a strain to be calm, clear and still. We are so “addicted to stress” multi-tasking and over achieving, learning how to let go, release tension and strain and ‘just be’ can take a while to experience.
What must you do to find your balance?
Learning to listen to your body, to take time out and rest and recharge is essential to help you meet the demands of your day.
If you are seeking simple ways to reduce stress and find space and time for self-care then here are five simple relaxation and yogic practices you can do now to regain your sense of calm and balance.
Me-Time Exercise #1 – Breathe
In yoga and meditation we are taught to live in the present moment. Your breath is your intimate companion and a handy aide to help you instantly recharge and energise your mind body and spirit. Learning how to breathe correctly will help you remain balanced and aligned during your day. Here are three simple breathing exercises you can do anywhere anytime you feel tired, lethargic and worn-out.
Me-Time Technique # 2 – Rest
Rest is vital to your health and wellbeing. Learning how to weave a few simple relaxation techniques, such as this simple seven step self massage into your daily routine is another easy way to care for yourself and give yourself an instant energy boost.
Me-Time Technique #3 – Exercise
A few gentle yoga stretches at the beginning of your day helps to energise and awaken your body. It can be quite a challenge to fit in yoga classes, so here is a quick and easy yoga beginners’ sequence you can do at home at a time that suits you.
Me-Time Technique # 4 – Take Time-Out
Running around looking after everyone else and not taking time to care for yourself leaves you feeling drained and in some cases resentful and angry when your efforts aren’t appreciated. Give yourself permission to take time-out during your day. Learning to meditate is an ideal practice to totally declutter, clear and calm your mind. If you are new to meditation, take time out of your day to sit, breathe and meditate. practice.
Me-Time Technique # 5 – Attitude
Your attitude, the way you respond or react to certain situations makes a difference. Through regular meditation, self care rituals and adopting a daily yoga practice you will develop a strong more positive mind-set, which helps you stay balanced and feel better when things go wrong.
Final Words
As you can see, there are a variety of yoga practices you can adopt to weave more moments of Me-Time into your daily routine. The more you allow yourself to see the good in all situations, to breathe, stretch , take time-out to meditate and rest, the easier you will find it to discover and regain your balance in all situations.
As a busy working mum you deserve to put yourself back on your agenda and give yourself the same care and attention you give to others. I really hope you do take time and practice any one of the five Me-Time Techniques.
ACTION STEPS
Aim to do at least one of the techniques a couple times during your day which helps keep you tuned in and focused on your inner well being. Once you have done that, email me/respond in the comment box below how you felt after doing this practice. I look forward to reading your response.
And now, if you found this blog post useful and wish to share these 5 Me-Time Techniques with your family or friends feel free to tweet or facebook the link via the icons below. And as a special gift to yourself, check out my ebook, Woman’s Book of Yoga-A Guide to Relax and Nourish Your Body and Soul, where you’ll find more detailed yoga exercises and meditation inspirations to feed and care for your mind body and soul.
Take special care.
In love and light
Ntathu
Image-with thanks and appreciation – John K via flickr
This article was original published 12th September 2012.
