Welcome to Day 6 of the Wellbeing 9-a-Day blog! So far, we’ve looked at the W9AD, The Wellbeing 9-a-Day Journal, and the habits that focus on Your Journey in life. In today’s blog, we are going to take a pause and focus on the importance of finding time to relax.
Today I get to...
One of my favourite parts of The Wellbeing 9-a-Day Journal is “Today I get to…’ While each of the habits in the W9AD are things that I want to do to benefit my own health, making time each day to do something that is just for me is an important part of my daily ritual.
You can put anything in the “Today I get to…” box, just try to make it something that is worth looking forward to. Regular inputs for me include watching my favourite shows or a movie, meeting up with friends or family, trying a new activity, or going for a coffee date with a good friend. Essentially, this is a place for you to shine a light on what you are most looking forward to that day.
Sometimes, I even put things in there that I must do, but don’t really want to do, to give them a positive spin. Changing the way that you frame these tasks can make all the difference. Instead of “I’ve got to finish this work today”, try changing it to “I get to finish this work today” and see if that changes how you approach the task.
Breathe in the Unreals, Breathe out the Undeals...
It is essential to make time to relax each day. In the Being Mindful blog, we looked at how box breathing can help you to connect with the present moment. Today, I would like to share another breathing technique that I use to help me relax.
The exercise is designed to help you breathe in the Unreals and breathe out the Undeals.
The Unreals are the good things in your life, the things that make you go ‘Whoo-hoo!’ The Undeals are the bad things in life, the things that make you go ‘Boo-hoo!’ This breathing technique will help you bring in and hold onto the Unreals, whilst letting out and getting rid of the Undeals.
Start by breathing in for four seconds, while focusing on all the good things coming your way. Hold the breath for two seconds, enjoying all the goodness you are holding within. Then breathe out for six seconds, visualising all the bad things leaving your body.
Repeat the cycle for as long as feels right. Breathe in the Unreals for four seconds. Hold onto the Unreals for two seconds. Breathe out the Undeals for six seconds.
Just a few minutes of this each day can help you relax your mind, body, and soul.
Call to Action!
If you would like a relaxation teacher, Live Well with Cancer’s monthly Relaxation session is on tonight at 7pm. Lasting one hour, the session is hosted by the wonderful Fiona Clark, who does an amazing job facilitating several workshops for the charity. Please email livewellwithcancer@gmail.com to get your link for the session.
This blog was written as part of a 90-day blog writing fundraiser for Live Well with Cancer, a volunteer-led charity serving North Tyneside and the surrounding areas. If you enjoyed this blog, please show your appreciation by donating to my JustGiving page. Every penny raised from donations or sales of the journal will help deliver workshops, events and support groups that empower better health and wellbeing for those affected by cancer, including family, friends, carers, and healthcare workers.
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