Like I mentioned last week, there isn't much of summer left.  Man that is hard to write.  It has only started, but that happens every year right - 8 weeks of sun and fun - we have to cram a lot into those 8 weeks called summer.  Everything from weddings to family reunions to back to school shopping.  This is supposed to be the time we relax, enjoy the sun, have people over for BBQs.  Actually this summer we haven't had one wedding to go to.  And we have almost felt lost - our 8 weeks haven't been planned out for us.  So we've had a change to "practice" unwinding.  And believe me - it wasn't that easy at first.  The thought of - I should be "doing" something always crept in.

So here are some ideas from an August 2009 Chatelaine article to help you relax.  Many of them I have written about before and it doesn't hurt to revisit them again!

1.  Hobbies - we all need some.  When I talk about gardening and I lose track of time and I am focused on task after task - that is relaxing because of the one-mindedness.  The Dr. in the article mentions we should have indoor and outdoor, solitary and social, active and sedentary activities and that we should aim to do at least an hour of relaxation a day.  But of course anything is better than nothing!  I believe we are all creative so find that outlet and run with it.

2.  Meditation - I teach this in my workshop to keep it simple.  It can be as basic as 3 deep breaths before bed - boy does it help you sleep.  Or 3 deep breaths at a traffic light or any other time you need to zone in.  You don't need a separate room and an hour to try and sit still.  Start and end the day with 3 deep breaths.

3.  Socializing - sometimes it's easier not to bother, but when you manage to get it coordinated it's worth it.  Who cares if you have to plan ahead for an outing with friends, or maybe you can make a date to walk with a friend in the evening.  Don't forget your significant other too - date nights with lots of cuddling reduces stress.

4.  Exercise - get your heart racing.  From walking with friends, tennis as a hobby, trying the yoga studio's new class, the possibilities are endless.  A trip to the lake to cool off can get your heart racing.  Even floating is relaxing - that bio feedback idea - all you can hear is your breath and your heart.  Very cool!

5.  Chew gum - or watch what you eat when you're stressed.  Chewing gum (says one Australian study) reduces stress-hormone levels.  Eating yogurt and almonds are better than a sugar fix.  As are B vitamins because they help produce serotonin.

Here's hoping you can enjoy a few or all of these ideas as we move into fall.  Being in the moment and truly enjoying the fleetingness of summer just makes it seem that much more special. 

QUOTES
Show your contempt for the problem and your concern for the person.  Jim Rohn

To live in the presence of great truths and eternal laws, to be led by permanent ideals - that is what keeps a man patient when the world ignores him, and calm and unspoiled when the world praises him.  Honore De Balzac

End your day by privately looking directly into your eyes in the mirror and saying, 'I love you!'  Do this for thirty days and watch how you transform.  Mark Victor Hansen