So this week another relaxation exercise.  We were supposed to do it twice a day through this week.  Yeah, with the week I have had, I am lucky it got done at all.  So, I listened twice today.  The first time, phone calls galore, problems at work.  L  But, got that taken care of and listened again.  This time, I got all the way through.  I love the sound of the waves and the delicate pan flute.  So peaceful and got me relaxed right away.  But, when the lady started to talk after a few minutes, it startled me, had to refocus.  Her voice was soothing and very smooth not like the others.   I would recommend this to other because it is very beneficial and easy to listen to.  It is important when using this type of exercise, to get the right sounds that totally relax you.  Some would prefer forest sounds or the sound of a thunderstorm and I think that would be beneficial to the overall success.

We were also asked:

What is the concept of "mental workout"? What does the research indicate are the proven benefits of a mental workout? How can you implement mental workouts to foster your psychological health?

Mental workout is a concept that allows us to focus our thoughts on relaxing.  “As we still the mind, the body moves with it.”  (Dacher, 2006, pg. 82).  There are also other ways of mental workout that help our minds to remain sharp.  Doing crossword puzzles and Sudoku are ways we can keep our minds sharp and focused.  We are creatures of habit and we can get in a “rut” doing the same things every day.  An interesting exercise would be to take a different route to work every day for a week.  I think I am going to try this.  By being able to have a sharper brain, I believe I could focus more and not feel as stressed.

I hope everyone has a great week and stays stress free.  Be happy!  Kind of like the song, “Don’t worry, be happy!”

Dacher, E. S. (2006). Integral Health: The path to human flourishing. Laguna Beach: CA. Basic Health Publications, Inc.

  

So, this week in school we were asked to reflect on ourselves in several areas and were asked a few questions.  I have tried to be honest in my answers…….  Again, we were asked to view and listen to a relaxation exercise.  While I find the act relaxing to a certain extent, I cannot get past the speaker.  The colors that were viewed and the background music are very relaxing and I enjoyed this way to focus on the meditation itself.  So here are my answers to the questions put to us.

1. Based on your reflections, and on a scale of 1 to 10 (ten being optimal wellbeing), where do you rate your A-physical wellbeing, B-spiritual well-being, C-psychological well-being? Why?

A.  Physical well-being – 6.  I have hypertension but it is well controlled with medication, so this does give me some up on the scale.  I have a recent diagnosis of diabetes Type II and it is not very well controlled at this time so this does take away some points.  I am working diligently with my physician to make this better.  Six months ago I was diagnosed with DCIS (stage 1) breast cancer.  I have had two surgeries and radiation and am now taking oral chemotherapy (for the next five years).  Although I am in the management and monitoring phase, this is something that hangs over my head and takes points away.

B.  Spiritual well-being – 9.  I have always been a spiritual person and have relied on my faith for strength.  At times I do forget and try to “make it on my own”.  This does not always work.  I do believe in a higher power and try to live my life as an example.

C.  Psychological well-being – 9.  I have always been a positive person.  I am a half-glass full kind of person.  Though I do have my “pity-party” moments, I buck up and take things as they come.  I am a positive influence on those around me and always look at the positive.  I am a work in progress, though.

 2.Develop a goal for yourself in each area (physical, spiritual, psychological).

I have a goal for a more positive health.  I am working with my physician and with my inner self to obtain a more healthy sense of well-being.  I am trying to incorporate meditation into my daily routine to assist in melding my body and spirit to stimulate the healing powers already present in my body.  As for my spiritual and psychological goals, I am going to continue on the positive path I am already on.  

3.What activities or exercise can you implement in your life to assist in moving toward each goal?

I work up to sixty hours a week and am going to school, which leaves little time to relax   or just be still.  I am trying to include meditation in my life to help relax and take a bit of “me time”.

  Sandy N.

So, I tried to do the relaxation tape and found the speakers voice choppy and distracting.  I have done this type of relaxation before and would prefer a different speaker.  All in all, this is a good experience with the right guide.  So maybe I wasn't in the mood to do this, so I'll try again another time.

7 HABITS OF REALLY HAPPY PEOPLE...

I was looking for one of those quizes to take to evaluate whether or not I am really happy.  I think I am.  I have a positive outlook mo matter the situation, but an I really happy?  I found an article posted by andrew Galasetti in 2008 that listed seven habits of really happy people - I am 6/7.  How about you?  http://www.lyved.com/people/7-habits-of-really-happy-people/

-Sandy