Jennifer Muscatel of Sugar & Swank believes it is most important
to Just Be. In today's world this is no easy
task as there is so much to do. Work requirements, of course,
keep us occupied. And when we're not working there are so many
ways to entertain ourselves.
JUST BE YOURSELF
First and foremost, you have to Just Be Yourself. Following
are some guidelines to help remind you how to do so.
There may be a time in your life when it is harder
to remember what really drives your soul. When you've lost touch
with the inner you:
JUST BE QUIET
Some relax best when surrounded by others, others relax best when
alone. Some relax by being active, others relax by being still.
It is important to discover the way you are best able to recharge
your personal batteries and then to make sure you actually engage
in that activity… or lack thereof, as the case may be. For
those who believe busier is better, challenge yourself to do as
little as possible for a change. Let your body sit and see how
it feels to Just Be Quiet.
Take a Vacation
Not a trip to Hawaii to participate in The Ironman or a biking
trip through Tuscany where you ride 15 miles a day from village
to village. Take a real vacation. One where you lay on a beach
and watch the waves role in. One where you walk leisurely in the
sand with no destination in mind. One where you read a couple
of "just for fun" books. One where you have the opportunity
to fall into a deep, drooly sleep at least a couple times a day,
yet still can't seem to stay up later than 9 pm.
There is actual scientific proof that vacations
are good for our health. The key is not necessarily getting away;
the key is to be worry-free for an extended length of time. Doing
so reduces stress which helps keep our bodies healthy and strong,
ease our relationships, and protect us from depression and/or
anxiety — all of which will lengthen the duration of our
lives.
Take a look at these articles that discuss the importance
of getting away:
The
Benefits of Vacation
Women
Who Take Frequent Vacations Happier
Vacation
Therapy
Do Yoga
Yoga is most certainly not a passive activity, however it refrains
from the typical "No Pain, No Gain" approach found in
many sports and instead focuses on strengthening the body while
healing the mind.
See what Sherry Roberts says about yoga on www.yogamovement.com:
What yoga can do for you:
The physical benefits: Creates a toned, flexible,
and strong body. Improves respiration, energy, and vitality. Helps
to maintain a balanced metabolism. Promotes cardio and circulatory
health. Relieves pain. Helps you look and feel younger than your
age. Improves your athletic performance.
The mental benefits: Helps you relax and handle
stressful situations more easily. Teaches you how to quiet the
mind so you can focus your energy where you want it to go —
into a difficult yoga pose, on the tennis court or golf course,
or in the office. Encourages positive thoughts and self-acceptance.
The spiritual benefits: Builds awareness of your
body, your feelings, the world around you, the needs of others.
Promotes an interdependence between mind, body, and spirit. Helps
you live the concept of "oneness."
Review these other articles that talk about the
benefits of yoga:
Benefits
of Yoga
Many
Benefits of Yoga
Yoga's
Surprising Health Benefits
If yoga is not your thing, try to find another similar
activity that strengthens your body while encouraging you to rest
your mind, as well.
JUST BE KIND TO YOURSELF
We can have a tendency to be so much more kind and generous with
others than we are with ourselves. Try to treat yourself with
as much care and respect as you do with those you love.
Use Your Nice Words
Let's face it; you probably wouldn't talk to anyone the way you
often talk to yourself:
Practice Patience
If a friend had a bad day, lost someone close to them or was suffering
from a cold you'd cut them some slack, so why is it that you don't
cut yourself any? What needs to get done will get done in due
time, but practice patience with yourself, as you would with a
friend, and if you need some time, take it.
At the end of the
day, it doesn't matter if your clothes are stylish or your make-up
is flawless. What matters is that you've spent the hours in a
way that feeds your soul. It is up to you to decide the best way
to do this… the way you can most truly Just Be.
