5 Steps to Relaxation

Those working in an office environment, sitting behind a desk, surrounded by people, going from meetings to meetings and being involved in projects with deadlines surely recognize themselves when we talk symptoms of feeling agitated, restlessness, low energy level, pains in neck, shoulder, lower back and possibly also headaches. Don't stress, try these 5 steps to RELAXATION!

1. Breathe

Whenever I advise people to breathe some will start giggling by looking at me as if I was crazy - of course they're breathing! Calm down people, what I mean is, as soon as your breath is high up your chest or throat it's time to sit down, close your eyes (or look out the window) and bring your breathing down to your belly. Drop all your thoughts, plans and actions and breathe. Set a timer for 1 minute if this is all the time you have in between the madness and feel how the tension flows out.

2. Clear your Mind

Bringing the focus on your breathing, your mind automatically no longer has control over you. Try to hold this state of being for as long as you can, keep focusing on your breathing and notice how you can approach things steadily and move mountains if necessary afterwards. And remember this, a clear mind is.....a clean desk! ;-)

3. Yoga and Meditation

To me, Yoga rules! I'll elaborate on this another time, for now I can tell you how the Lotus pose or Padmasana is ideal for meditation. It might be uncomfortable for beginners, if so, go sit in your most comfortable position - it's OK. Also, I can imagine you can't see yourself getting into this position in work, so in that case, go try this at home!

Benefits of Lotus Pose:

• Opens up the hips
• Stretches the ankles and knees
• Calms the brain
• Increases awareness and attentiveness
• Keeps the spine straight
• Helps develop good posture
• Eases menstrual discomfort and sciatica
• Helps keeps joints and ligaments flexible
• Stimulates the spine, pelvis, abdomen, and bladder
• Restores energy levels

4. Massages

In short, book yourself a massage or ask someone you know who is good at it and do it on a regular base. Yes, it can be quite an investment, but me personally would rather invest in my well-being than spend my budget on stuff I don't need in the end. Plus, giving massages is one of my baby steps to heal the world :-)

Besides the ultimate relaxation, massages can also give you the following:

• Decrease anxiety
• Enhance sleep quality
• Greater energy
• Improved concentration
• Increased circulation
• Reduced fatigue

5. Food for Thought

People, please EAT! Feed your brains, fuel your body and feed your soul. Make healthy choices when getting the groceries and prepare yourself and your loved ones healthy meals. Three times a day, so that's not skipping breakfast. Stick to 1 bread meal a day if you can't live without, have healthy snacks in between and eat more greens with your meals while you're at it. Fresh, clean or raw - just do it!

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