Do you find it hard to relax?
Our world is stimulating and exciting. So much we have to do, so much we want to do. We push ourselves harder and faster until, at last, we drop, exhausted, slumped on the couch, staring at lists of Netflix programmes or scrolling through Facebook, wondering just what will make us feel better.
We call this relaxing.
But how would it be, if we could feel relaxed at each moment in our day? If we could actually maintain a feeling of calm, peace, unhurriedness and acceptance, throughout all the activities of our day?
Relaxation is one of the secrets to success, whether that is in the realm of work, family, relationships or money.
Not the kind of relaxation where you stay at home, feet up, with a glass of red wine (though that is important as well!)
No, I mean a feeling of peace that permeates everything you do. Success, happiness, ease, the feeling that you are in the flow … all these come when you cultivate relaxation in your everyday life.
You may say, ‘It’s all very well for you, you’re a yoga teacher, you know how to relax, but what about me? I have a full-time job, a family to look after and bills to pay … how am I supposed to find time to relax?’
Believe me, I may know how to relax, but I don’t always follow my own advice. Yes, I practise yoga and meditation regularly but, in daily life, I can drive myself too hard.
The other day, I noticed I was judging myself for not achieving enough. I was taking a break and I heard that little internal voice saying, ‘You’re so lazy, why have you stopped working again? There’s so much to do!’
The part of me that is kind to myself, the part of me that gives myself a break, then stepped in and started to list all the things I had achieved that day. I had risen early, gone for a walk on the beach, made a couple of important phone calls, had a really nice chat with my housemate, prepared a nourishing meal, designed a poster and analysed some blood test results for a client. And it was still only 2 pm. When I looked at it this way, I felt proud that I had managed so many tasks, effortlessly and joyfully.
My expectations of myself have often been too high. Do you do that to yourself? Have you always managed to juggle so many balls, support so many people and achieve so many targets, that you expect the same of yourself, day after day after day?
It’s just not sustainable.
Try these 8 tips for bringing more relaxation into your everyday life.
The more you practice these tips, the sooner they will become habits. Relaxation is a skill that can be learned. Letting go of tension in every part of your life will help you to feel better, improve your relationships and achieve more in life.
Over time, becoming more relaxed can help us to let go of unhelpful habits we have picked up in our lives, and reveal our pure, gentle, kind and wise inner selves.
Relax, and let your true nature shine.
