Everyday Calm: Relaxing Rituals for Busy People (5 page)

Time-tested etiquette will never be out of style, and being a gentleman or gentlewoman will get you everywhere. Next time you find yourself in front of a doorway, open it and let oncoming traffic through. Opening a door for another person is one simple way to offer support. (To become a master door opener, pay attention to bellmen at fancy hotels.) Just follow these easy steps:

1. Announce “After you” to those passing by.

2. Open the door wide, step back, and remember to smile.

3. Look back and see if anyone else may need your service.

The twinkling eyes of gratitude will be ample repayment. While you may have made someone else’s day, you have also undoubtedly improved yours!

Add some green to your day! You can wash your troubles away by simply immersing yourself in a park. Take a walk or just sit for a while. Staring at lush greenery can ease eyestrain from computer monitors and fluorescent lights and help provide a sense of general well-being. A nap in a park can be deeply resuscitating. Arrange a healthful picnic snack for your lunch hour. Surprise a workmate or friend for lunch with a twist. Be patient and let nature do its thing. Treat yourself to simple pleasures. A calm and peaceful break will alter your day for the better.

Slip out of your day and have a tropical fruit juice fix. When you are squeezed for time, juice shops offer a meal in a cup and an upbeat atmosphere. Add all the extras for a much-needed energy boost. For smoothies, ask for real yogurt rather than frozen yogurt. If you are feeling adventurous, order one or two shots of wheatgrass juice. As a chaser, order a carrot-and-orange-juice mix. Make sure you sit down for this one, as you may feel a slight body jolt. Wheatgrass packs a punch with a megadose of vitamin C and a long list of nutrients to help detoxify and recharge the body.

Ready to transport yourself into a dream virtual vacation? Take time out from a busy day of shopping or errands. Armed with a drink and a snack, book a trip into cyberspace on an imaginary holiday.

1. Sit down and search for your dream destinations—perhaps Thailand, Maui, or Paris.

2. As each site downloads, drop your head and feel your neck relax. Slowly roll your head in circles.

3. Now let the Web site transport you to Hawaii or your own idea of paradise.

If your fingers are tight from tapping the keys, squeeze them into a firm animal claw. Then make fists and roll your hands in wide circles, both directions.

Relax on your online beach blanket!

Pent-up frustration can be used for positive results. Dust off your cleaning equipment and get scrubbing. As you transform your household, you’ll also wash away internal anxiety. Your floors will shine as your mind unwinds. Dig into corners. Turn up the good old rock ’n’ roll and dance while you work. You can’t clean everything, so don’t worry about finishing; just keep going as long as you enjoy it. Find contentment in the activity and stay in the moment. Who would have thought cleaning could be so enriching?

The mind and body are intimately connected. If you notice yourself getting tired and cranky, take a break to think about your body. Most likely your spine will have begun to slump down. By simply standing straight and consciously breathing, you can make a quick mood shift. Over time, poor posture and a tense mind create unnecessary aches and pains. Stay positive and healthy with these easy steps:

1. Keep your chest out with chin tucked down slightly.

2. Pull your shoulders back and down.

3. Feel your feet firmly planted on the ground.

4. Let your face soften and relax.

5. Relax your belly and rhythmically breathe slowly and deeply.

Your mood will elevate as your posture rises up!

Potential serenity busters abound in subways, elevators, restaurants, stores, and even movie theaters. Noise and crowds get to all of us. Train yourself to overlook the small stuff. Commit yourself to relaxing and enjoying yourself in spite of the mishaps. Your calm attitude will help turn your day into a hit, and your relaxed manner is sure to rub off on everyone around you!