Everything I do involves DOING. The only time I lay down is when in bed! Are you like me? How many of you take the time to do something for yourself DAILY that will elicit the relaxation response? And, I don’t mean going for a run! I mean doing something that will actually help your brain relax and recover from it’s stressful job of keeping us going all the freakin time?
When our bodies are in a constant state of stress- whether it’s real or imagined or just the fact that we NEVER slow down can cause stress in our bodies. And, in response to chronic stress, brain wave activity increases and the brain becomes agitated. So, with constant stress this can lead to crappy sleep, digestive problems, immune system is weakened, etc. I can honestly say that in the past, when under constant stress (usually related to lack of sleep and too much DOING), I get sick which leads to more crappy sleep which can lead to bigger and nastier problems over the long haul.
So, what can/should you do to Elicit the relaxation response and provide a safe heaven for your brain regularly?
ASANA practice
Mediation
Must make a conscious effort to let thoughts GO
Pranayama Practice
Bubble Baths
Savasana
So, that’s it. I’m off to practice eliciting the relaxation response!
Further Reading {Would def. like to read more on this topic!}
Research on a prescribed yoga program for cardiac rehab patients.
3 responses so far ↓
1 bobbi // May 14, 2009 at 4:45 am
relax, is that a word
2 DPeach // May 14, 2009 at 2:38 pm
About 4 years ago when I started getting serious with exercise and getting healthy I also started taking naps because of how tired I would be from the extra work. I had always been an occasional napper before then. But I have made it a daily habit now. I am not talking about 2 hour naps that disrupt the day and keep me from sleeping at night. Rather, I usually shoot for 10 to 30 minutes unless I am really worn out. With practise I have gotten to where I can relax and fall asleep quickly. Any 30 minutes of “dead” time can be nap time.
I have not been sick with a cold or any other common ailment in well over 3 years. My only illness (which landed me in the ER) was a bad case of food poisening.
I don’t believe the naps are the cause of my good health, but I certainly think they help. My stress level is much lower because of it.
DPeachs last blog post..David and Flora Hartsfield
3 Tiffany // May 14, 2009 at 3:44 pm
I do not take enough time for myself. Many days it seems as if it is go, go, go until Mikayla goes to bed around 8 or 8:30pm. I have been getting up between 5:30 or 6am so I can have quite time to drink some coffee and read a book.
Tiffanys last blog post..Win a Laptop and a Carrying Case
Leave a Comment