I had carved out some time to restore by going to get a massage. As I was beginning the massage my mind was racing and definitely in some stress mode! So much so that my masseuse said,” What’s going on, I feel your whole body and myofascial tensing! Relax!” Than it hit me…..remember Eva, you know about this mind/body connection stuff. You even blog about it all the time. What are you doing? s your mind is racing and worrying, for no reason, your body is getting the message – fight or flight!

That’s when I began a new mantra for the hour – Rest, Relax, Restore, Breathe over and over again I sent that message to my body. It got the message and started to relax.

REST – How often does your body tell you I need a rest? I need you to lay down for at least 20 minutes and take a rest! Do you listen to that inner voice? Our bodies are beautiful machines that work well if we take care of them, nourish them, allow it to rest. Get a good nights sleep. Arianna Huffington writes all about it in her book The sleep Revolution.

RELAX – When was the last time you actually sat down and did NOTHING? In our type A society it’s not as easy as it sounds. No TV, no iPhone, nothing – just you. Try it – sit down on your couch or better yet in a nature if you can and allow your mind to relax, look out, and do nothing – just be. Give your mind and body a break for 15 minutes and see how you feel.

RESTORE – To restore ourselves means different things to different people. I you are a type A, outgoing social person and you sit in front of a computer alone all day you probably need to restore by going out with friends and socializing. If you are more of an introvert and have to give a speech or network you most likely will restore by having some quiet time. Some of us are a bit of both. Find what works for you and how you restore your mind, body and soul.

BREATHE – Have you ever paid attention to how you breathe? Most of us are shallow breathers – our breath never gets down to our belly. If you ever feel anxious or stressed take 3 deep breaths and slowly exhale. You can also try this:

Sit up straight  Exhale out of your mouth with a whoosh sound. Than put the tip of your tongue on the roof of your mouth and

breathe in on the count of 4                                                                                                                                                                                               hold your breath to the count of 7                                                                                                                                                                     breathe out to the count of 8………………………….this is one breath. Do this 4 times. Dr. Weil recommends this as well as other breathing exercises you can try.

With the world news as it is we are all feeling the energetic tension. Rest, Relax, Restore, Breathe to help you manage your stress and anxiety and everyday life.