we are not victims....
January 1, 2019 and a Happy New Year to you. I have like you been thinking about eating better, working out and just taking better care of me. You know that whole non toxic living. Whatever that looks like. No quilt, no shame in saying no when I truly don’t want to go or do something. Maybe you are already in that place, but I somehow find myself at times agreeing to do things or go places I really don’t care to go or do. Why do I do this? Usually it boils down to quilt, I don’t want to hurt someone’s feelings or I know it will cause conflict. And in so doing I find the conflict is still there it’s just internalized, in me! Below are some helpful tips I’ve researched.
*Learn that you teach people how to treat you. When you’re upset, you have a right to your feelings. If others don’t support you in the way you want or need, let them know. Just remember, your response is your responsibility.
*The key to effective anger management is knowing how to express anger at the right time, in the right amount, and to the right people. Doing so can mean you'll sleep better at night, too.
*Settle your central nervous system. In short, breathe. Research has shown that certain breathing techniques can have immediate effects by altering the pH of the blood, or changing blood pressure. Additionally, exercises like abdominal breathing can help train the body's reaction to stressful situations and reduce the production of harmful stress hormones.
Sit comfortably and raise your ribcage to expand your chest. Place one hand on your chest and the other on your abdomen. Notice your upper chest and abdomen move while you breath.Concentrate on your breath and try to breathe in and out gently through the nose. Your upper chest and stomach should be still, allowing the diaphragm to work with your abdomen and less with your chest.With each breath, allow any tension to slip away. Once you are breathing slowly with your abdomen, sit quietly and enjoy the sensation of physical relaxation.
I’m a big believer in deep breathing techniques I love Chi Qong for that reason. I was doing great with Chi Qong in the first 6 months of 2018 and then spiraled out of the discipline of taking the time for myself. Well my goal or resolution is to begin again. No quilt no shame no mental punishment just do it! The deep breathing and gentle stretching is just what this mind and body need. I’ve even contemplated running again. I did for years and talked myself into believing it wasn’t good for me! Eye rolls here hahaha. Now it will probably look more like a slow trot but that’s ok. I’ve recently read where running lengthens your telomeres. You might be asking what are telomeres. Simply put they are the tails on the ends of our cells that determine our lifespan. And since I’m living forever, Chai Olam I think their length matters. I’ll try to go more in depth on this subject for February’s blog.
Be encouraged to begin again or for the first time to set your healthy boundaries. Self care is the most important thing you can do on a daily basis. It’s like when you fly the flight attendants give directives to put your oxygen mask on first before helping others. I find this statement very thought provoking. So I’ll just leave that here.
Blessing & Shalom
Teresa Bowen
Mahanaim Supply