It is essential that you learn to balance tension and relaxation, both in your mind and in your body. Another way to say that would be:
It is essential that you learn to relax, both physically and mentally.
And yes, it’s all in your head!!
In your mind, that is!
Why?
Because if your mind is filled with stress it cannot easily transfer relaxation to your body.
I’d be willing to bet that without quieting your mind you’d be unable to quiet and relax your body.
One of the quickest and most effective ways to move out of your stressed, noisy mind so that your mind and body can relax is to pay attention to your breathing.
Close your eyes.
Watch yourself breathe.
Inhale deeply. Pay attention to the air filling your lungs.
Exhale deeply. Feel the stress leaving your body.
Do this ten times.
How do you feel after doing this?
Do you wonder where all that mental stress went?
Stop and do this as often as you need to.
It’s also a great practice to visualize for a few minutes just before dropping off to sleep.
Practice your breathing and then visualize how you would act, feel, and engage with life if you were better able to balance tension and relaxation.
What you think about before you fall off to sleep will have an effect on the quality of your sleep and how you feel the following day.
Try both the breathing for relaxation and some visualizing before bed and let me know how it goes.
Remember, it’s a practice, so if it’s not easy at first, that’s OK.
Keep at it and you’ll be rewarded with the benefits of a relaxed mind and relaxed body!
shelli
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