Think about how easy it is for a baby or small child to fall asleep. We’re born with the natural instinct to relax and sleep when our bodies need to. As we get older, we control and suppress these urges to remain alert as we go to school, go to work or care for a family. Some of us spend years teaching ourselves to perform well even when we are tired. While this is a necessary skill, it prevents us from letting go and learning to relax.
Relaxing can take many forms. For some, it’s napping or just doing nothing. This would drive me crazy. For me, it’s running or participating in some activity. This drives those that love me crazy! Yet, I’ve decided that we are not all going to relax in the same way and we have to accept even those differences!
Of course, there is nothing like a little down time for the mind (there’s no question that this is one of my biggest flaws). We have to give ourselves permission to stop thinking about work, kids, personal problems or tasks. I really have not come to grips with how to do this sort of mind-relaxing thing on a consistent basis. I’m working on this one.
Relaxing physically is also important (and also hard for me). I tried to do it this weekend. We went to the lake for 24 hours (I ran seven miles first so I would not get antsy!!). I told myself that I would not strap on my running shoes or work for at least 24 hours. I spent a lot of time doing what I never do – sitting, talking, sleeping, eating and totally enjoying the company … it was great!
Sometimes, I can get stressed out just thinking about finding time to relax. I mean every magazine tells us our life will be shortened if we don’t! That’s stressful in and of itself! But, let’s be honest. Life is set up in such a way that there are periods when our focus is elsewhere — with our kids, our jobs, school — and that’s ok – we just can’t clear our mind or do much physically sometimes. We have to cut ourselves some slack (Jessica, cut yourself some slack!)
I’ve decided that the best form of relaxation is finding and participating in something that brings you joy — whether it be alone or with others, sedentary or active, goal-directed or aimless. Today, let’s give ourselves permission to find whatever it is that brings us relaxation and peace and do it (even if it’s for 5 minutes!). I’m, of course, going to head our for a run now!
Have a great day!
theyearof50 