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.
Sandra,
ReplyDeleteI am very glad you found some peace and relaxation from the exercise. I did too. Isn't funny when you get yourself all calm and when the speaker does start it startles you? I wonder if there is away around that. I remember reading in Dacher in the earlier chapters that the mental olympians hear it but don't display the reflex action. I guess I have a ways to go until I can be an olympian. I will get there though I do have faith.
Since I have started my training, even before this class, it has helped me so much to cope with external stuff going on in my life. I find myself using the training most for dealing with high stress and physical pain. Although to be honest depending on the type and severity of the pain I have not been able to get much relief. I sprained my ankle very badly yesterday and it is hard to focus through the pain. I am sure I am taking less medication then someone who is not using medication; however, it is still very draining.
Stay well and Smiles
Kristie
Hi Sandra,
ReplyDeleteLife is so busy, is it not? Sometimes the biggest obstacle in life is finding the time. Time to better ourselves, learn a new language, take a yoga or pilates class, where do we find the time? There’s only 24 hours in a day, we sleep eight of those hours, and then most of us work eight hours a day. That’s only eight remaining hours to become a genius as one of my mentors so noted.
Your ideas of ways to get a mental workout are useful; finding a new route to work each day for a week – that shall sharpen my brain here in the Baltimore, DC area.
Best,
Kevin H.
Sandra,
ReplyDeleteThe sound of the waves is very soothing to me as well, almost too soothing. I was unable to do as much of the exercise that was recommended as well. I was out of town, and lacking an internet connection there was no way to do it twice a day. I did enjoy the exercise when I did though and intend on continuing to work it into my daily activities. On a side note, I was able to use our first exercise we learned to help me through my TKD class tonight, I was experiencing some pain while training (not an injury) and was able to refocus my blood flow to ease it...I was excited. Maybe this exercise will become as simple as that one with plenty of practice.
Marlyn D
Hi Sandra,
ReplyDeleteWhile I know we are nearly half way through the term I have decided to follow your blog. I like reading your discussion posts and am inspired by what you have to share. I appreciate your perspective on the mental workout and I agree with you. I like your points on how to regain real estate in your brain (through crossword puzzles or sodoku). I personally like to watch some of the mindless reality shows that are on television. I'll keep reading! Rachelle
Hi Sandra,
ReplyDeleteThe waves I really liked, but I can see how the narrators voice coming on all of a sudden can startle you and lose your concentration. I pretended to put my bad day on a raft and push it out into the waves I was hearing.
What I find to be soothing and a stress reliever is to just dance around...I know it sounds funny, but when I am at work for 12 hours and after 5pm I put on the radio and as I am restocking, straightening up or what ever I am either dancing or bobbing my head up and down...it works to relieve the stress of the day.
Go ahead try it! You will love it. O yea and yes, I work alone lol.
Jennifer Johnson-Orchard