 |
"Relax" a word that is at times easier said than done.
As the week is rapidly approaching the end, my stress level seems to be rising just as rapidly. I had very high expectations of what tasks I would need to accomplish today which have fallen a little short. I will be leaving tomorrow for a mission trip to the Appalachian Mountains of Kentucky, my family and myself have been looking forward to this trip, although I have been a little on edge trying to get packed, work, and get my school work done before we leave. Everything but my school work was accomplished. As I finally only have a few hours left before bed, I curl up in my corner of the couch armed with a cup of green tea and a bowl of fresh strawberries. I log in to my class: Creating Wellness: Psychological and Spiritual Aspects of healing and there waiting for me was just what I needed, a relaxation exercise.
I begin to listen to the audio, the voice is incredible soothing, I decide to attempt to get the full benefit of this exercise. I shut the end table light off, put my earphones in, and close my eyes. I listen to the voice explain how I have the power for achieving relaxation just by thinking about it. It is a technique called Autogenic Relaxation. By thinking and focusing on a particular body part you can make it feel more relaxed and comfortable.
I continue to hear the voice saying the word "relax" and with every breath I repeat the word and I immediately begin to feel more at ease. As the exercise continues I stay completely focused on my thoughts of becoming more relaxed, I picture the blood running through my arms and they begin to feel heavy and warm, my fingers have somewhat of a tingle in them. My mind is blank except for my thought of relaxation. I begin to feel totally at peace, almost to the point that I could fall asleep. Oh, how my mind and body needed this and then....BAM!! reality hits. My son comes storming through the living room like a bull in a china closet yelling Mom wheres my DSI.
I truly can see how techniques like these can help promote relaxation and reduce stress. The trick is teaching yourself how to implement them into your real, everyday life and doing them when you need them most.
Laurie
Hi Laurie,
ReplyDeleteI have to agree that relaxing these days is easily said than done. I was really relaxed also when I was listening to his voice. I also could have feel asleep and I think it is because I am so busy all day and I never get to relax for very long. So when I stopped to listen to the journey of relaxation and closed my eyes it was hard not to relax. This is definitely a technique that I will continue to use. Have a safe trip and just breathe, you will get everything done
Nicki
Thanks Nicki..Yes I always stress about getting things done, but it always falls into place. I look at it this way I have 14 hours in a car I should be able to get quite a bit of work done, I have even set up a little office for myself in the back of the car. I am all set and if all else fails a few deep breaths should help.
ReplyDeleteLaurie
I understand how you feel. I myself am traveling this week and feel the crunch to get my work done in time. I keep telling myself to balance it all out and take time to relax,..
ReplyDeleteAs much as we as a society need to stop all the business to relax it is quite often impossible to do. My first attempt at the exercise was a joke and let me frustrated, but I did go back and try again. Like you sad his voice was soothing so much so I actually did fall asleep.
ReplyDelete:-)
Hello Laurie I enjoyed your post. I have three children and so I too know what interuptions can do for relaxation time. Many times when you need relaxation the most after a hard day; this is when others need your attention and so it makes hard to find a quiet place and time to relax.I wish you well on your mission trip god bless.
ReplyDelete