So, I just spent a week in the mountains of Southern Ohio with a long time friend of mine. I am the type of person who cannot stand the cold weather and snow. Most of my life, I have taken vacations to tropical destinations with the climate warm and the sun shining on my body. At the same time, your body absorbs the sunshine and there is not much relaxation on these trips. Since the economy has minimized my vacation potential this year, I decided to stay in the State and rent a cabin for a week in the mountains. Yes, there was certainly snow and lots of it.
Truth is, I had a great time with relaxation and time to reflect on the past year. My reflection is where I was in 2008, what happened and what I became in 2009. The positivity that came out of my cabin experience in the snow is notable. I was actually thinking that I found a power in relaxation while I was there. Can this be true?
The Mayo Clinic says this is all true. Yes, relaxation is a great stress reliever and if you have a job like mine, well, this is certainly the best way to deal with the stresses of life and rejuvenating your body. The Mayo Clinic added more positive outcomes to relaxation to include:
Slowing your heart rate
Lowering blood pressure
Slowing your breathing rate
Increasing blood flow to major muscles
Reducing muscle tension and chronic pain
Improving concentration
Reducing anger and frustration
Boosting confidence to handle problems
If you don't have the chance to run off to the mountains for a week, try these techniques at home: tai chi, yoga, and meditation. How do you relax? Is there a place where you can go in your home that provides complete silence where you can completely relax?