Letting go of the bad news stress

On Monday, I set you an exercise to find and write down things to be grateful for.  I hope that’s going well and you’re starting to feel lighter in mood.

Today, I want to focus on releasing those bunched up muscles around your neck and shoulders.  When you receive so many negative and worrying messages as there have been over the last few weeks, you’re bound to feel tense when the bad news seems to go on and on. 

It’s almost as if your body is trying to get ready to do battle against this invisible baddie!  The trouble is that you’re stressing your body and you must take some time to consciously relax, if you don’t want to make yourself ill.

Please try my ‘Take 5’ exercise, so–called because it only takes 5 minutes (although longer is even better!).

• Go somewhere you won’t be interrupted and make sure all buzzers, ringers etc. are turned off (it is ONLY for 5 minutes!)
• Sit quietly, rest your hands loosely in your lap and close your eyes.
• Focus on your breathing.  Don’t try to change it, just notice each in breath and out breath.
• Let those chattering thoughts that clamour for attention just pass through for now and refocus on your breathing.
• After 5 minutes, open your eyes and slowly come back to the present moment.
• Your stress levels will have subsided and you’ll feel refreshed to carry on with your day

I prescribe this to be taken by everyone, at least once a day, and as often as needed!

On Friday, I’ll be sharing how we can learn from experiments that took place in the 1960s

Comments

[LouiseBJ]

Thanks for dropping by Jackie and let me know how you get on with 'Take 5'!
Louise

[Jackie Nees]

What a great tip Dr. Louise! ;) I am definitely going to put this one into practice. Thank you!
Jackie