Ways to Wind Down

Take a deep breath and imagine yourself at peace.

Does stress sometimes get the best of you? Conflict at home or work, a job interview, or just the everyday hassle of a traffic jam can cause stress. In turn, stress can cause a multitude of unpleasant reactions…your mind can race, heart pound, hands shake, and you may become anxious or angry.

While stressful situations can’t always be avoided you can minimize their negative impact by employing some relaxation techniques. Here are five ways to get centered and regain control by nurturing your mind and body.

Meditation

Meditation has positive benefits that can help carry you through the most trying day. Meditation creates a deep feeling of relaxation and well-being that mentally wraps you in a warm, cozy blanket. When you need to quiet your mind find a peaceful space, get into a comfortable position and focus on a picture or mandala. Many who meditate repeat a word or a chant to help them stay focused. The goal is to empty your mind of your daily concerns. Meditate for at least 20 minutes a session to travel the path to serenity.

Yoga

Yoga teaches you more than movement. It focuses on maintaining balance within the mind and body. The regular practice of yoga can reduce stress, promote better sleep, improve concentration and increase your fitness level. Yoga poses, or exercises, are performed slowly with a focus on breath and positioning. Beginners will want to join a class with an experienced yoga instructor to assist them with the correct positioning. Your local community center or health club may offer classes. If you want to improve your flexibility, build strength and relieve stress, yoga may be the right path for you. Breathe deeply, inhale through your nose and exhale through your mouth, stretch and relax.

Music

Music can inspire you, lift you up, help you to relax and express your emotions. When you listen to melodic, harmonious music a physiological change occurs in your brain, resulting in a decrease in elevated blood pressure and pulse rate. Music works its beneficial magic to improve your mood and attitude. So, when you’re feeling down select soothing tunes on your iPod, close your eyes and unwind, or put a big smile on your face and dance your cares away.

T’ai Chi

Have you ever seen a group of people at a park slowly and gracefully moving in unison to a silent rhythm? They are most likely practicing T’ai Chi. Through the flowing movements of T’ai Chi you can improve your concentration and develop self-control. T’ai Chi is a series of postures widely-used today as an exercise routine, although it originated 5,000 years ago in China as a method of marital arts. T’ai Chi movements create a state of restful action and people who follow its practice find it beneficial and calming. You can join the T’ai Chi group at the park and greet the day while getting in shape and relieving stress.

Psychic Readings

A psychic reading can help you to relax and remove some of the built up stress of daily life. Many psychics are clairvoyant mediums, some are aided by spirit guides, and others have clairsentient and clairaudient abilities. They generally have training in various areas, such as Tarot, Astrology, Numerology and Dream Interpretation. Psychics can help you find answers, identify with your true self and leave the stressful uncertainty behind, so that you can create the joyful life you deserve. Relax, unwind and enjoy every day of your life.