I Bet You Are Totally Stressed Out, How About a Bit of Down Time?

In the dictionary Stress is described as mental and physical tension and or strain.
Well duh! We can run into a full blown stress response on a daily basis, sometimes it seems to come at us on an hourly basis. Let's face it, life is stress, and that physical reaction wrecks havoc on our mind and body.
Did you know that 75% -90% of all doctor visits are for stress related problems. That in itself should tell us a boatload.
See if you have experienced any of these beauties on the list;
Headaches, insomnia, digestive problems, ulcers.
How about irritability, high blood pressure, elevation in cholesterol levels, sleeplessness, migraines, neck aches, diarrhea, dizziness, weakening of the immune system.
Stress is a cofactor in common illnesses and diseases such as heart disease, cancer, depression, ulcers, stroke and hyper tension.
OK, now what? How about a bit of help to that poor body with a bit of down time. Don't you and your shoulders that are now in your ears deserve it??
Take time for you, everyday, to unwind, even if it's just for a couple minutes. This is as important as picking up the dry cleaning and running the bank deposit at lunch.
Sit quietly outside and take in the beauties of nature. Take deep breaths. Look at that natural object; a bird, a flower, a tree. Reflect on this object and take deep breaths, clear your mind, just see it, and breathe and feel this living thing's energy. Try to reflect on this thing of beauty and relax for 10 minutes. Breathe in 1.2.3.4.5...breathe out 1.2.3.4.5...
Can't get outside? Find a quiet space, close your eyes.
Choose a calming work or sound, hum or recite a prayer. Repeat this word silently or out loud. ( Kinda depends where you are, huh.)
Start with your toes. Relax completely all the muscles in your toes, hum or repeat your word. Breathe...
Move up to your feet, ankles, calves... relax, and hum... breathe
Now your thighs, abdomen, arms, wrists, fingers
Pull your shoulders down out of your ears and relax them, your neck, your head...
Breathe slowly and naturally, saying your phrase or word as you exhale... Aim for 8-10 minutes. When you are totally relaxed, sit there a minute longer and reflect on how your body feels.
As your day goes by and you are finding your shoulders once again in your ears, think back to that relaxed state, take some deep cleansing breaths, and then move forward again to your task at hand.
Don't forget to be good to you. Hope this helps.
Corby Campbell Shields
Co-Author of the Menopause Master Plan
http://www.menopausemasterplan.com/

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