Learn how to relax

Relaxed people are able to solve problems more quickly and easily, which actually keeps them more relaxed. Ironically, relaxed people have more energy! With increased energy you will achieve more which makes you feel more positive and more relaxed. What a wonderful vortex!

If you find yourself collapsing, exhausted at the weekend, or you are constantly looking forward to holidays so you can do nothing for a while, it may not be the case that you are overworking. You simply don’t know how to relax properly. Relaxation doesn’t mean watching TV, reading a book or playing video games. It’s not about having a drink with friends. Those are all activities for which your mind must remain active. It is achieved through doing absolutely nothing … just letting your mind unwind. Close your eyes and be aware of the non-visual world around you. What do you hear? What do you smell? What do you feel in the air? Don’t think about the meeting you just left or the doctor’s appointment you have tomorrow.
Just be.
Just for a few minutes.
Find 15 minutes a day.
This is 1/96th of your day – 1.041% of your day.
You have the time.

Personally, I enjoy relaxing with a cup of tea (no surprise there, right?!). The simple act of making a cup of tea is relaxing to me. I like watching the tea leaves dance in the infuser. I love the sound of hot tea pouring into my cup. I like having the cup of tea nearby as I can smell it, and holding near my face feel the warmth of the tea. Any cup of tea is fine. Any caffeine in the tea will not affect you for about 20 minutes – exactly when it’s time to return to normal activities. If you are sensitive to caffeine, herbal tisanes, including rooibos or honeybush, are good choices. We carry a wide variety of herbal tisanes. You’re certain to find one you love. We do carry teas specifically for relaxing, but recommend those teas mostly for use at bedtime, at least until you know how they will affect you. If you can make your relaxation time right before a meal, you may even find you eat less.

If you’re having trouble relaxing, there are certain activities that can certainly help. Yoga, t'ai chi, massage and meditation are all fabulous ways to relax your mind. Sometimes all it takes is just closing your eyes and listening to yourself breathe.

A good reason to feel relaxed …. You’re not here!
One of Japan’s scariest footbridges.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xSv4LPlCodE

Today's quote:
Those who stand for nothing fall for anything.
Alexander Hamilton (01/11/1755-07/12/1804)