Anyone out there that loves the idea of relaxation but hate that it does not ever come naturally to you? Maybe it is not about letting your body relax but rather trying to figure out how to quieten your mind?
I used to really struggle with relaxation when I was a little girl. When I was young, I used to find ways to keep myself entertained. You would think that having three brothers provided me with all of the entertainment that I needed but my mom reminds me from time to time that I actually could not sit still for five minutes because I needed to be doing something. I also hated being on my own. I always wanted to be around someone. It is quite crazy how things can change. I love my relaxation time now! I could sit and watch movies all day.
So how do we quieten down our minds? I could tell you to have a nice, warm bath, watch series or read a book but I think we all know that that will not exactly stop your mind from talking to you. So here are some things to try when you are really needing time to relax and focus.
1. Exercise
There are obviously physical benefits to exercise but it also helps relax your mind. Any intense exercises that really challenges you to keep moving can be a really great distraction what what is going on inside your head. My sister-in-law and I have been exercising to Heather Robertson’s 12 Week Challenge on Youtube and it has been so much fun! Find someone to exercise with during this time and have fun doing it together! We have also been trying out online pilates classes to get the body moving!
2. Write a list
Write down everything that is going on inside your head. The concerns, to-do lists or the emails that you still need to respond to – write it down so that it is all in front of you. Write down your six most important priorities and work on each one until they are all complete. This has helped me so much!
3. Create something new
Find something to do that can quieten your mind. Do something new. Something exciting. Make something you have always wanted to make. Try out a new recipe that you have not been able to try out before. Working on my blog and doing some online teaching has really helped me keep busy and motivated during this time. What have you always wanted to do but have not had the chance to do it?
4. Declutter
Our environment can have a huge impact on our mental state. It sometimes does not affect people but I am someone who feels quite stressed when the space around me is messy. I feel like a hyprocrite typing this out though because I am sitting with a bedroom that looks quite chaotic at the moment but this is a step I need to follow too! Donate the things that you do not need anymore, organize your clothing piles and throw away things that you no longer use!
5. Action plans
If you are worrying about how you are going to manage getting things done, make yourself a little action plan. Figure out what needs to get done, how long that thing will take and when you are actually going to do it. Set a starting date and a finishing date. This will give your mind a break from worrying about fitting everything into a schedule.
6. Watch a movie or series
Movies allow us to focus our attention on one thing for a few hours. Be present and enjoy a movie or watch a series in your bed or lounge and enjoy relaxing!
Although it is important to quieten your mind and take bold steps towards finding a healthy balance, it does not mean that this time of lockdown needs to be productive and overwhelming. Relax, focus and get back on track with a healthy state of mind!
Stay safe friends and, best of all, enjoy the silence of a peaceful mind!