Fit in the City - Leigh Ann Root
Relax, Just do it!
I'm a busy person by nature. I like to be busy, stay active, fill my days and squeeze as much as I can into a small amount of time. This can be a good thing, but it can also make for a hectic life. We create our own chaos most of the time. If you are occasionally like me, you too may find it difficult to relax. Although, it's necessary that we all do. I call myself a multi-tasker. I drive my husband crazy and myself at times. I'm realizing that this isn't a healthy way to live your life all the time. Yes, it's productive and satisfying but exhausting, as well.
I'm trying to turn over a new leaf. I haven't quite perfected the act of relaxing, but I'm getting closer. I'm able to let go a little more, quiet my brain, and just be. Like many things in life, this can be a challenge. I'm sure there are others out there who are like me, they feel guilty when relaxing. It's hard to shut off that voice in your head that's saying, "I should be doing something productive right now." I now believe that relaxation is productive to your life.
Here's some steps I've taken towards a more relaxed state of mind:
*Getting Back to Nature. Doing anything outdoors. Getting away from computers, phones, televisions and all those other things we think we need to make our lives complete. We've been camping lately. It's the best thing for my personality and my family benefits from this. We're able to enjoy each other while we get back to a simpler way of living, even if it's only for the weekend. It's the best therapy! Try getting out in the fresh air and enjoy some true pleasures.
*Don't think so much! Shut your mind off for awhile. It's hard to fully relax when you are thinking and worrying non-stop. Accept that nothing will really change one way or the other, if your take a little brain break occasionally. Try starting with small periods of time and go from there. This will actually help you focus better when it's time to think again!
*Let Go! Let go of those grudges from the past. Like most people, I too have things from the past that occasionally creep back into my life. My husband, with all his wisdom, will simply say to me, "Let it go already, move on." That's when I usually realize how insignificance and minor it really is in the scope of my life. I've been letting go of people and things that have had a negative impact on my life. Life is easier when you cut some of these little things loose! Most of the time the events and people your are stressing about from the past, have let you go a long time ago. You can't change the past. Choose to live in the present and go toward a healthier future by making better choices in your life.
* Be thankful and enjoy what you have. By this I mean your family, friends, and your health. Enjoy those things that money can never buy. Cherish your relationships, there are no guarantees on time. If you have ever lost someone important in your life, you know what I mean. You can't buy time you can only make time.
*Try doing just one thing at a time. My son has taught me this. It's impossible to be two places at one time, physically or mentally. For instance, if I'm playing with him and trying to do some work at the same time. He let's me know I'm not fully giving him my attention. We all do things like this. Half listen to conversations while your thinking about something else. Just think about what you may be missing out on. Be a better time manager, this will allow you to do one thing at a time.
Just like sleep, relaxation is underrated, as something we need in order to be a healthy person. We all need "downtime". This makes our "up-time" so much more enjoyable. Do you allow for this in your life? It's essential to your life. If your deprive yourself for too long you will begin to see the negative effects in your life. Start by giving yourself the "okay" to JUST BE, once and awhile. I still remain a big fan of staying busy, but these days, I'm finding that the gift of relaxation here and there, does make for a better me. And in turn, it makes for a better environment for raising a child, having a happy family, and enjoying friends.
I'll never be a finished person, how boring would that be. Each day I try to be a better person and some days I'm more successful than others. I guess, I'm like most people, always a work in progress. That's okay. At least I'm progressing. Are you?
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