Rest, relax and feel renewed
1 Relax your face
Sometimes when we’re stressed, it shows up in our bodies without us even realising it. This exercise will help you become mindful of any facial tension. Take a deep breath and bring awareness to your face. Unclench your teeth and allow your jaw to relax or even drop open. Soften the muscles around your mouth, release any holding in of your cheeks. Soften your eyes, unfurrow your brow, feel your breath gently entering your nose, and then gliding over your lips as you exhale. Allow your face to be soft and at rest.
2 The 90/10 rule
Resting is just as important as the active parts of our day. But sleep shouldn’t be the only time we rest. While working or doing an important job, commit yourself to a 10-minute break every 90 minutes. Do something you enjoy that doesn’t require a computer or phone (playing music is allowed). Take a walk, stare out of the window, do some stretches, pamper yourself with hand lotion. Repeat during the day.
3 A morning walk
We can help strengthen or reset a disrupted circadian rhythm by exposing ourselves to light (indoors or out), which will signal to the brain that it is day and time to wake up. A morning walk will energise us and help to reset, and can also be an opportunity for mindfulness practice. You don’t need to walk more slowly than usual, but pay attention to what is arising. Avoid the temptation to put on headphones, check your phone or email as you’re walking.
4 Count the ways to be kind
To yourself, that is! We often don’t take the time to notice the many ways we can practise self-kindness. Begin to notice what nourishes you and makes you feel better. Examples include a computer-free day, sitting in the sun with a book, or buying fresh flowers. Keep adding to the list and begin to incorporate the suggestions into your everyday life.
5 Just being, not ‘doing’
Are you someone who’s always on the go? How often do you give yourself time to just pause without any agenda and simply create space for yourself? Taking a moment and intentionally being still, allowing ourselves to be with whatever is present, is a simple practice we can do at any point, anywhere, for any length of time. The easiest way to do this is to let go of trying to do anything in particular and all
