This will sound so simple that you may roll your eyes, but please read on and then commit to doing the following every day!
Step one:
Set your phone timer for 5 minutes.
Step two:
Sit somewhere comfortably.
Step three: Start the timer and close your eyes.
Step four:
Just sit there and listen to the sounds around you, your brain thinking, your body breathing and being.
(Your brain will wander, just let it go wherever it needs to and don't worry about it! Have a giggle if need be: "Holy shitballs, I just had an entire conversation with my sister in my head!")
Step five:
Remember to take a few deep breaths and let your shoulders fall as you sit there.
That's it.
(Once the timer goes off, give yourself another moment to check in and see how you feel once you are done. If you don't feel much different, don't worry!
Do it again the next day and the next and the next etc...
How long it will take to feel more calm, more in control and more clear depends on the place you are starting from.)
As you do this, one of two things may happen:
1) You may hit a time within the 5 minutes where you say, "This is stupid, I'm not going to just sit here!" or "I knew it, I can't do this!"
But you can and go ahead and keep sitting there.
2) You may be amazed at how quickly the 5 minutes went by! When you hear the alarm go off, you may double check the timer setting!
Either way, here is what you are doing for yourself:
YOU ARE GIVING YOURSELF A MOMENT.
Regroup. Refresh. Reboot.
Calm, Control, Clarity.
Turn the 'crazy' dial down by closing your eyes.
Turn the 'crazy' dial down by not getting sucked into your brain's activity.
Just observing quietly as things go on around you.
It's like floating above it all and truly letting go.
And all you need is 5 minutes to start this "letting shit go" process.
I pinky swear!
Work you way up to 10 minutes.....eventually.
But you don't have to!
You can stay at 5 for as long as you want.
You will know when you are ready to increase it.
LONGER DOES NOT MEAN BETTER.
Please read that yell again
LONGER DOES NOT MEAN BETTER.
Please don't look at this as a "TO DO" or a "hashtag self care" add-on.
Look at it as a part of just plain old living.
And please don't expect amazing results or drastic changes to take place immediately.
And please don't put undo pressure on yourself to do this "right".
If your brain doesn't shut off, you're good, keep sitting there.
It will never shut off (as long as you are living!) . That is not the deal here.
You are simply 'detaching' from thoughts. Literally letting that shit go. To wherever it needs to go. Not following it and ending up at the grocery store (in your mind) searching for dinner tonight. Know what I mean?!
If your eyes want to bust open or your body wants to bolt out of your chair, you're good.
Your body needs to get used to a bit of glorious 'nothingness'.
It will, and it will be grateful.
Your brain needs to stop being exposed to so much stimulus, too.
Keep your eyes shut and your heart open.
(that last cheesy sentence is sponsored by my inner hippy!)
This is going to be subtle and sweet.
Sacred simplicity here, you guys.
Trust me when I say your body, brain and soul are going to react in such a positive way, but it will be gentle and progressive.
KEEP THIS SHIT UP!
First, you need to commit to this daily practice.
Do it for YOU.
Make a promise to yourself that you will give yourself 5 minutes to let shit go.
I mean, it sounds kinda silly to say that you can't give yourself 5 minutes, right?!
Consider this 5 minute window as a lovely gift you are giving yourself.
Consider this commitment as a way of showing yourself that you respect and care about your body, brain and soul enough to give them all a hot minute (well, 5) to gain back some calm, control and clarity.
You will feel the difference, trust me.
Such a small addition to your day to gain such big awesomeness :)
DO IT!!
By the way, it doesn't have to be at the same time every day.
When you find yourself reaching for your phone to scroll social media or check your emails (for the 30th time today!):
Stop.
Remind yourself of your inner commitment and your respect for yourself.
Set your timer instead and close your eyes. Deep breaths and letting go.
If you are in your car - before or after arriving at a destination, or waiting for someone - set your timer and close your eyes.
DO IT, DO IT, DO IT, DO IT!
It may feel awkward at first, then you will crave it.
Feel free to email me and let me know how it feels :)
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