Hi ladies/gents/or whoever decides to read this!
As we're sinking into the school year, emerging ourselves in homework, and starting up our extracurricular activities, I thought I'd post a few ways on how to
get away from it all.
Though it is important to do all of the things mentioned above, there are times that we need to be alone We all need time to just relax, clear our minds, or talk to God. So here are a few ways to relax, improve your stress-management, and get away from it all. Here is a good resource (and one of my main ones) where you can get more info:
http://www.webmd.com/balance/guide/blissing-out-10-relaxation-techniques-reduce-stress-spot
1. Take a walk: I know this is super elementary, but walking
really does help. You could even bike, longboard, ripstick...whatever. Just get out and move your muscles at a comfortable, non-stressful pace, and think. Go to nature. Watch the kids play in their front yards as you pass by. Think about what is really important in life.
2. Use repetition: Do something that is repetitive, something you can loose yourself in.
webmd.com suggests walking (like mentioned before), painting, swimming, knitting. Do something that is freelance, relaxing, and not stressful. When you swim, don't do it for time. When you knit, don't do it for product. When you walk, don't do it for distance. The point of relaxation is
not the destination, but the journey.
3. Eat stress-reducing foods: By this I do not mean stress meds. I mean foods that will help you both concentrate and rejuvenate, stay healthy and stay focused. Healthy food can help reduce stress (wow...big surprise right? Always thought it was ice cream.) Though some suggest sugar-packed, fatty foods, here are a few suggestions that comply with the Flame style.
- Oranges: Oranges have a lot of vitamin C, which has been shown to help curve stress.
militarytocivilianfitness.com
- Spinach: I know...most of you are like "eww...Popeye...gross," but spinach is actually really good for you. It contains magnesium, which a lack of may result in headaches or fatigue.
worldcommunitycookbook.com
Here are a
few cooking suggestions.
- Avocados: These green babies contain a lot of potassium, which helps to reduce your blood pressure. (ah-hah!!) Put them on a salad, in a salsa, in guacamole...smother it on your face, whatever.
sunset.com
- Raw vegetables: Raw veggies are basically the cure for everything. Eat lots of them! A few good ways to eat them is a salad, dipping them in an organic salad dressing, or smothering peanut butter on them. Dig in and enjoy!
bodyecology.com
4. Tap Chakras and Meditate: If there is something bugging you, or if you just need a little time out, try tapping your chakras and meditating. Below, I have a picture from blisslotus.com of the chakra points. Chakras usually can be
tapped in several different places. This is how I like to do it:
- Meditate: Sit down, nice and straight. Back straight, shoulders relaxed, hands on your knees. At my school, we do this for a minute every class period, and our motto is: Eyes closed, mouth closed, mind opened. I want you to do the same thing. Take deep breaths and clear your mind. Focus on the tasks you are preparing for. **I recommend meditating for at least a few minutes every day. My headmaster suggests doing it in the morning.**
- Chakra Tapping: http://www.balanced-energy.com/a_bit_about_chakras.htm is a good place to go to learn about chakras. It's kind of hard to explain it over the computer, so I would suggest finding someone who does reflexology, energy healing, or Reiki to help you. It really does help, and I do it all the time to resolve issues. I talk to myself while I do it, so it is really refreshing and rejuvenating. I know this sounds super hippy, but my mom does Reiki and I have some amazing older friends who work with energy, and it really does work!
blisslotus.com
5. Fast, pray, and study: When it feels like the world is getting to be too much for you (and even when it is not), I highly recommend the above three things.
Fast: For those of you who are unfamiliar with fasting, here's a brief definition. Fasting (like when Jesus fasted for 40 days) is when you go without food or drink for a designated amount of meals. I would suggest starting out small for first timers. You start out your fast with a prayer, and end it with a prayer, telling God your reasons for fasting. I suggest doing this on Sunday if possible.
Pray: I strongly invite you to pray. Prayer is a way of sorting your thoughts, speaking to God, and finding answers. It is one of the only resources you will
always have and that will
always be useful. Pray for guidance, for strength, and for understanding.
Study: Study the scriptures. They contain great words of wisdom. "All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for docrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness - that the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works." -2nd Timothy 3: 16-17
6. Seminary: Many of you have heard of seminary, and some of you haven't. But I promise it is one of the most inspirational places in the world. In my state, we are blessed to have it offered as
a released-time school class, and as early morning classes. It is where you are taught by wise men or women who have studied and searched the scriptures. They have amazing insight! It is so wonderful. :) I encourage all of you to go, LDS or not, especially since this year is New Testament Studies (2012-2013) and is so amazing!! It is truly a place of peace and strength.
http://seminary.lds.org/?lang=eng
7. The Temple: For those of you with current temple recommends, go to the temple frequently! It is a place of inspiration and peace! If you don't have a recommend, get one. It will change your life. Pinky promise.
haha...I can only DREAM of being that good!.JPG)
