Send yourself to your room or to a quiet corner where you can be alone for ten minutes. This isn’t the punishment that some parents dole out to insolent children, but a respite from the noise and chaos of daily life. Give yourself the gift today of removing yourself from all of it and turning inward for awhile.
This isn’t about meditating, it is about stepping away from the computer, cellphone, television, crowds, people close to you and from your thoughts. Great perspective can come in moments when you detach as much as possible from the world around you and give yourself permission to sit and do nothing for a few minutes.
Action – We feel that we should be packing 28 hours of living into a 24-hour day. We want more than what we have. We want more money, a better job, more friends, more things and more time to enjoy it all. Except we don’t take much time to enjoy any of it. Detaching from the hustle of daily life gives your body a break from the constant adrenaline surge that is daily life. It also allows your mind to step out of the race and take a breather.
Steps – It’s important to find a place where you can be alone. If you have to lock yourself in the bathroom, then that is good enough. Don’t take the phone with you, don’t worry that the world is going to fall apart without you there to manage every facet of it, and don’t feel guilty. We all need a little downtime to function at our best.
The quieter the spot you are in, the better. Take a few deep breaths and close your eyes if possible. Notice the thoughts that come and go and be okay with it. This is more about feeling the body slow down and the lungs filling up fully than anything else. See if you can let your shoulders drop down away from your ears and notice the energy that is always flowing through your whole body. Focus on your feet, then your legs, up to your torso and then the head. Just acknowledge every part that is you.
Why It Makes You Feel Better – Chronic stress is a byproduct of the world we live in. Everything moves so quickly now and taking time to step back doesn’t seem like an option. Because of that, the diseases that stem from stress are running rampant. Early warning signs that you are negatively impacting your body include low energy, insomnia, aches and pains, headaches, frequent colds and infections, and upset stomach. Instead of reaching for a pill or potion to mask the symptoms, begin to include some quiet time into each day and allow your body and mind to let go.
Stress that isn’t dealt with can lead to high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes and obesity. It isn’t selfish or wasteful to take some time to unplug and unwind. It is actually one of the most productive things you can do.
Example – Find the moments in your day that you can dedicate to you. It might be during lunch at work, when the baby is sleeping or the kids go to school, or when you are commuting. Plan what works for you and then get into the habit of shutting the world out for at least ten minutes. Take this timeout seriously and recognize that the more you think this is impossible to do with your busy life, the more you probably need it.
Take a break and reconnect with your inner energy. A few quiet minutes of your time is an investment in your future health and the ability to handle life.