Self Care September Day Eighteen: Methods for channeling your own zen.
When it comes to mindfulness and wellbeing, there is no one size fits all approach. Channeling your own zen doesn’t have to be a chore. Try the strategies below to channel your own zen.
Visualization.
This form of meditation allows you to conjure specific calming and relaxing images anywhere you are. Stuck in the afternoon commute? Still have four more hours in your work shift? Visualize your fantasy vacation or favorite quiet spot to experience the calming effects. Nature is a great starting point. Research has shown even visualizing nature can contribute to increase well being and decreased stress.
Breathing.
The tried and true.. take a few inhale and exhales. This is a really easy technique which can help relieve anxious feelings, rebalance oxygen, and reduce stress in the body. Find a comfortable spot. Inhale for five seconds. Exhale slowly for seven seconds. During the exhale, literally envision yourself relaxing from head to toe.
Walking your way to meditation.
Walking promotes calmness, relaxation of the mind, and increased creativity. It is an active way of grounding yourself and relieving tension. Boost the positive effects by centering yourself with walking in a natural environment. Even pair it with visualization if you’re walking through the city or stuck on a treadmill. Pick a perfect spot and visualize. Find your peace.
Mellow your way with music.
Hello my whole life.. Music has shaped the very fiber of my character. Music stimulates our brains to increase concentration and alertness, and different types can induce a relaxed state. One of the many ways I increase a zen state of productivity is to put on zen radio through Pandora, inhale, and get to work. I also take epsom soaks with chamomile tea with the same radio selection. So versatile. Try it!
