Remind Yourself to Rewind
So many people are overwhelmed these days! We usually run so fast that we forget to slow down and enjoy life even for a minute. What if you could re-mind yourself of what is really important? What if you could re-wind your mind to experience even a brief moment of joy? This one simple moment can allow you to be more productive, more efficient and possibly even healthier.
Sitting here at a peaceful Maine beach on one of the few remaining warm summer days reminds me of yester-year… Reflecting on those childhood summer evenings when we would play games like “Kick the Can” or “Hide and Seek” with neighborhood friends until well after dusk in our normal, safe world. Those days are long gone, yet their memory floods back as real as real can be… bringing a smile to my heart. What did you love to play as a child? Can you remember those simple childlike feelings of wonder and awe – where magic seemed real and we just played to have fun with our friends? What if you could get that same magical feeling back again… even if just for a moment? Did you know it would slow your pulse rate, lower your blood pressure, boost your immune system and possibly pro-long your life?
Here’s a simple technique to help you s-l-o-w d-o-w-n just a little when things seem too fast paced. It only takes a few minutes….
5 Steps to Re-wind, Re-New and Re-charge your batteries:
1. Escape… from the crowd, from your work, from your life. Take a 5 minute mental break… close your door, turn off your phone, kick off your shoes and get just a little more comfortable.
2. Close your eyes and focus on your breathing. Allow your breath to flow deep into your chest and fully expand your belly. Focus on slowing down your breathing so that it is full, yet soft, flowing and effortless. Relax your jaw muscles too!
3. Re-mind yourself of a favorite childhood memory. (If you can’t think of one, make one up – it is ok to imagine!) Think about what you were wearing, what you were doing, who you were with and how wonderful you felt. Really get into it – fully experience the feelings that come with the memory. Let yourself feel the joy and wonder of that moment in time.
4. Hold those feelings in your mind as you imagine addressing a challenging situation or person and notice how you handle yourself differently now.
5. Finally, think about what really IS most important to you… your family… your friends… your health. Your thoughts create choices. Take action based on your positive thoughts.
As you approach situations with a fresh new perspective, frustrations dissipate. In this calmer state, you become more resourceful, with better outcomes and improved health.
Practice your new re-membering steps each day. As with anything, the more you practice, the better you will get at it. Just keep re-minding yourself of what is most important.
Wishing you wonderful success,
Lois
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