Relax, it’s good for the soul

In these times when we are always in a hurry, coping with the demands of life, we forget to take our time to relax. We are in constant competition with the world to fulfill our desires and wants not realizing that what we are doing takes a toll on our health.

I am reminded of story about a man who asked God in

his dream about mankind. God said, “Man works so hard to earn money, only to spend his money for his health….”

Richard Carlson in his book, “Don’t Sweat The Small…and it’s all small stuff,” comments, “I’ve never met anyone (myself included) who hasn’t turned little things into great emergencies. We take our own goals so seriously that we forget to have fun along the way, and we forget to cut ourselves some slack. We heat ourselves up if we can’t meet our self-created deadlines. Life usually go on if things don’t go according to plan. It’s helpful to keep reminding yourself and repeating the sentence, “Life isn’t an emergency.”

Along this line, I am sharing this interesting story I came across recently. “A fisherman was resting on a chair along the beach. Then came along a businessman and was surprised to see him. The businessman asked, “What are you doing? Why don’t you throw your net so you can catch more fish? The fisherman retorted, “What for?” “So you can have more money and enjoy life?”, answered the businessman. With a smile, the fisherman replied, “What do you think am I doing?”

One may ask, “Why is relaxation important?” Anna Elsaka of “health&life website,” has this to say, “Do you know that your health is at risk if you don’t relax? Our bodies are simply not designed to function in a permanent state of “fight or flight.” Many

of the common ailments that affect our quality of life, such as constant headaches, digestive problems, sleep difficulties, and muscle aches can be linked to this constant heightened stress.”

One may ask, “What happens when you relax? Elsaka says, “Your heart rate slows down; your breathing becomes slower and deeper; your blood pressure drops or stabilizes; your muscles relax.”

How can relaxation benefit one’s health? Our source declares, “It reduces your stress levels; boosts your immune system; has an immediate effect on your energy levels and productivity.”

If you have 5 minutes or less to relax, here are 5 tips that Elsaka suggests:

Practice breathing exercises; inhale slowly and deeply. Then exhale slowly through your mouth or nose. Do this for 5 minutes or less.

Listen to soothing music.

Do mental exercises such as visualizations. Envision yourself in a peaceful, calm place.

Meditate. Simply close your eyes and clear your mind of mental clutter. Focus on positive mantra or the flow of your breathing.