“A relaxed mind is a creative mind.”
Yogi Tea Tag
One day, when my son Alex was about four, he saw that I was feeling harried. His advice simple and to the point, “Just freelax, mom!” Now, whenever I get a bit overcooked about my work, I try to remember my pint-sized philosopher’s words of wisdom. And since burnout is a dangerous pitfall for new business owners in launch mode, when I was writing my start-up guide, Birthing the Elephant, I asked a couple of stress management experts to share some tips. Here are a few of their ideas which might prove helpful as energy boosters:
Do deep breathing: Several times a day take a few moments to breathe from your diaphragm. Inhaling more air more slowly is very energizing.
Take regular computer breaks: Just five minutes a few times a day can be helpful. Stretch, shake things up, take a brief walk outside.
Get moving! Exercise and a healthy diet are incredibly important for building stamina and reducing stress. Don’t let the page trap you into inactivity.
When you’re in a relaxed state, ideas start flowing: Use guided meditations to destress or take ten minutes once or twice a day to close your eyes and visualize your favorite beach or mountain — any place that you find totally relaxing.
Give yourself an aromatherapy boost: Invest in a portable diffuser for your office and fill it with lavender oil to relax or peppermint oil to invigorate yourself. Or you can simply take a few drops of peppermint oil, mix it with a carrier oil (almond or jojoba), and dab it behind your ears for a quick pick-me-up.
How about you? Any “freelaxing” techniques you find especially helpful during your writing day?
One way I Freelax, is to do what a mermaid would do. They Freelax most of the time with sea salt swims, singing, brushing their hair, adorning themselves, dreaming on rocks and they don’t work. Ahh! Mermaid time anyone?
Hi Janis,
What an inspired idea — I just love it! You are truly an artist and a poet.
Write on! Karin