[chantalTTC]

Ok, so I went to the Mind/Body session on Monday night...they refuse to call it counseling or therapy, though it kinda feels like that (and that's ok - we all need it!). I arrived a few mins late, and as I was filling out the sign in sheet I recognized the address of one of the other ladies - it was 3 houses from mine...the house directly across from ours in our cul-de-sac! What a small world. We each had no idea the other was going through this (I've only exchanged maybe 50 words with the woman). So we bonded over that hour and a half, for sure. She's over 40, and considering DE down the road, so we're going to do coffee one of these days to share stories. How funny, eh? Small world...

As for the session...I really enjoy the end where we do 15 mins of relaxation, deep breathing (in-nose, out-mouth) and visualizations. It really helps to calm the crazy thoughts we all have floating around our noggins. They encouraged us to do these exercises on our own - so I pass it on to you as well.

You may be familiar with these techniques, but I'll go through it just in case...

Whenever you feel overwhelmed about anything, find a quiet place (yes, the bathroom at work will even work!). Sit comfortably and let your head rest on something. Start from the top of your head and relax your eyes, then all your facial muscles, then your shoulders, then your arms, your hands, your back, your legs, and finally your feet and toes. As you do so, if you're unable to detect a difference when you relax a muscle group, try first tensing/clenching the muscles. This worked well especially on the eyes. Also, try scrunching your shoulders up high and then let them sink low to relax them... As you go, breath slowly and deeply, in through your nose and out through your mouth. This breathing technique will help calm you and help you refocus.

I hope that helps - we can all appreciate needing to slow down and focus on what's really important, right?

Take care o' you,
Kristen