Mind & Body

tassie devil relaxing graphic - links to 'meditation' page

We spend much of our lives constantly connected to events, screens and people - forgetting to be present with ourselves.

The practices listed on this page (see Boosters) are commonly called mind/body practices, in that they affect the brain/mind, body and behaviours. The consequence of these multiple interactions is thought to allow more opportunities for calmness and balance and has potential knock on effects for many significant health problems (anxiety, stress, gut disorders, blood pressure etc). 

Taking time out improves our health by activating our parasympathetic nervous system - a real treat for our body. In turn periods of relaxing allow and increase productivity and our general performance.  is just as important as moving your body.

Blocks

Below you will find three common blocks (barriers and misconceptions) that prevent you from simply letting go and chilling out.

  • I'm just one of those people that has a busy mind

    If we take this view then we are essentially justifying a position of not experimenting with another way of being. By telling ourselves that we can't chill out because we naturally have busy minds simply reinforces the idea that you can't. But we all have busy minds, and that is OK, but we can still learn to relax. Maybe start by saying to yourself -  "I can feel relaxed at times, my body knows how to be calm and I can practice this state of being". Then we create opportunities for ourselves - little freedoms to deviate from the expected. 

  • I've tried relaxing and it doesn't work for me

    Sometimes it is easier to relax than at other times. Accept the variance, note the times when it is a bit easier or a bit harder. It is important to practise observing without judgement. As above, if you say to yourself it isn't working then you reinforce the idea that it can't in the future. So, be open to possibilities, that you can and have relaxed at times.

  • I can't afford the time to chill out

    If you can't afford the time to relax occasionally, then you are probably not doing well in other aspects of your life. Relaxing takes many forms but it is important to find the things that relax you so that you can revive your body and mind. This in turn allows you to make better decisions and be more effective. Someone who has practiced relaxing is calmer, more receptive to others and in turn other people like to hang around you. 

Boosters

Below are some ideas to try which are often shown to benefit our wellbeing. There are many others but the important thing is that they focus on a combination of relaxation, activation and focus.

  • Meditate

    Meditation is being researched more and more to determine its effects on health and wellbeing and the research is certainly persuasive. Learn more about the .

    • View reviews of , and
    • Undertake a course on
    • Find a to join
    • See when the free university meditation classes are run
    • Look at the options on the site
    • Visit
    • (YouTube)

    You can also view some meditation videos below to get a taster.