What if you knew you could slip into easy, meditative moments that would recharge your soul, right in the middle of your day? Well, you can.
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Everywhere you look, articles are advising you to take 5-20 minutes for yourself to help control your stress level. I don’t know about you, but I’m lucky if I can use the bathroom for two minutes before my kids, the dog, or my partner comes looking for me. But I can also tell you that on the rare days I have actually taken or should I say “found” 15 spare mins (I won’t say 20 because that’s just crazy talk!) and meditated, it has helped me to stay noticeably more calm and serene. Finding that time while your day swirls around you is such a challenge; most days it’s normal to just give up. What works for me is to not schedule a set time each day, because the days change so often it would be nearly impossible. I’m going to give you a list of what I’ve found works best (at least for me) in terms of finding just five peaceful minuets each day.
- Walk. Yes, I know you’ve heard it before, but trust me, a simple five minute walk (even merely around the outside of your house), really does clear your head, calm you down and it gives you that break you desperately needed.
- Sitting in your car. You know you do it all too often and usually you do it for others, especially your kids as you run errands here or there. Why not take advantage of that five-minute (and sometimes longer) time frame to focus on your breathing and do a mini meditation?
- The Bathroom. Now just wait! I know this one threw you, but think about it for a second. Where and when else in your day do you have a guaranteed few minutes of peace? And yes it will ONLY be a few minutes because the kids always find you. If you get beyond the five-minute mark you better go find them because you know something isn’t right!
- In the Shower. It makes perfect sense. In fact it’s a built-in spa moment! The water is warm and soothing to your tired body. It’s quiet except for the hypnotic sound of the running water and it’s private. Add to the overall experience by buying a fragrant shower gel in a scent that makes you feel relaxed and calm.
- Dance. I know, I know, this isn’t what you expected when you pictured “meditation.” But the thing about dancing when no one is looking is you let go of judgment and thought. You move to the rhythm and throw away stress and built up emotion. What could be better for you in terms of releasing stress and finding inner calm? So turn the radio up on your favorite song, close the door and curtains and dance with abandon as if no one is looking, because for five minutes nobody is!
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Photo credit: Getty Images
Short and sweet – enjoyed it Kathy! It’s very simple but few understand or can ‘take advantage’ of this or perhaps we should explain and ‘teach’ more of this? Of course always promoting #spa and #wellness, the DIY bathroom and shower scene is best!
For me seeing younger peeps at my Tai-chi, Chi-gong class, yoga and actually going to King Sauna and Spa Castle in the Dallas area is great.
@MarktheSpaman
Dallas, Texas
Yes your’e right is is very hard… I know with three kids and running my own company I’m guilty of going days without any real ‘self’ time. But it’s worth it ten fold if that time is found.