In this crazy, out of control world we live in, it's not always easy to relax. We are constantly bombarded with news of terrorists, scenes of violence, and war and riots on nightly newscasts. There is so much negativity surrounding us our anxiety levels are over the top. How can we prevent it from affecting us? How can we just make it stop?
Living in a global environment has not made it easy to shut out negativity. In everyone's household TV's are on and computers are never turned off. I think the answer is obvious. You have to get out of the house.
I think we all feel we have to be available to everyone, all the time. That's what cell phones and computers have done to us. Facebook, LinkedIn and Skype. But there's something a lot more important than that. The most important thing is our health. We are sitting too long in front of computers and video games. We're always engaged. Always tuned in. But, just like our bodies, our minds need to rest.
That's why I say get out of the house. Get out and walk. Go to the park. Disengage. Tune out. Stroll by the river. Get on your bike. Take a long hike. Here is the clincher, though. Do it alone. Take no one along. You don't need a conversation. You need to go within. Still all your self talk. Let your thoughts flow in and right out again. Take a deep breath. Let it out slowy. Do it a few times. Relax your whole body.
How do you feel now? Are you less anxious? Is the stress leaving your body? This is just the beginning. If you do this regularly, at least once a week, you should notice you're sleeping better and are less apt to allow world events to get to you. When you shut out the world awhile, nothing can affect you. It's far far away and you're completely oblivious to it.
Make relaxation part of your lifestyle. The most important part. It's never been a better time to start.
