My lively friend BJ and I were talking about this tool the other day. If you find yourself lost in the busy-ness of the season, this is an amazingly quick and effective way to bring you present… and with an instant gift from the Universe of something beautiful.
Simply close your eyes. Hand on your heart and become present of your breath. Breath in deeply to a count of 4, and exhale, 2, 3, 4… then repeat two more times.
With your eyes still closed just ask “Universe, Show me something beautiful.” Open your eyes and behold. What is it that captures your attention? What beauty was there in front of you all along that was left un-noticed, and what richness now fills your heart with gratitude?
I love these quick little tools (and this one has become a regular in my Vitality Code program.) Now, especially during the Season time flies by so quickly it’s not always easy to stay in enjoyment of the present moment.
Here are 12 other quick ways to become aware and enjoy the gift of now, even in the midst of the mania.
- Say hello to Mother Nature: A little sunshine and some fresh air will do your mind and body good.
- Get upside-down: Do downward dog, a beginner-friendly and relaxing yoga pose that will relax muscles, release tension, and help get your head in a happier place. Just 10 or 15 minutes is all you need to revitalize your body and there’s plenty of examples readily available on YouTube.
- Chunk down your work & then reward yourself: If you’ve got a lot to be done, tap into the power of focus. Set a period of 20 or 40 minutes and get laser focused. Turn off the phone and email and go all out. You’ll be amazed at the clarity and productivity you can achieve in this short time. Then reward yourself a walk outside or a laughter break (see tip #4)
- Laugh More: Go online to watch a few funny [fill in the blank] videos. Dogs, cats, kid laughing videos. Laughter instantly reduces stress hormones. A favorite for me is a Facebook Page for Vizsla International which has adorable pictures from across the globe of dogs just like my buddy Kiefer.
- Turn on some tunes: Research has shown that lying down and listening to music is as effective as massage.
- Take a nap: Einstein used to take 10 minute power naps to recharge his creativity. If it’s good enough for him…
- Work up a sweat: If you’re feeling anxious, raising your heart rate and taking time to zone out with exercise will relieve the stress, anxiety, and tension holding you back. For me, I’ve just become addicted to hot yoga.
- Go green: Sipping a cup of green tea is known to have a positive effect on stress hormone levels and helps to alkalize your body to keep you healthy through the cold and flu season
- Squeeze this pressure point: Acupressure is a great way to relieve stress. Try pinching or massaging the little mound of flesh where your thumb meets your palm (also known as the union valley). Hold for 30 seconds.
- Aromatherapy: Smell something beautiful to relieve stress! Choose one of these invigorating fragrances to reset to brain and mood – peppermint, lavender, citrus, eucalyptus, ginger and more. I keep an aromatherapy lotion on my desk at all times called “Stress Relief” which is a refreshing blend of eucalyptus and spearmint.
- Organize: Take a few minutes to organize something manageable, like your desk or the kitchen. Once you see everything back in place, it will feel like a fresh start.
- GRATITUDE: Use a touchstone of some type to remind you of the things you are most grateful for. It could be a picture on your refrigerator or desk, a ring or a gratitude stone you carry in your pocket. Something you will see on a regular basis as a constant reminder to give thanks. Just 17 seconds of gratitude is enough to improve your mood. 64 seconds of gratitude changes your biology!
Wishing you much health and happiness through the season.
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