How to Simply Relax

Stress can cause depression, anxiety, heart problems, back pain, fatigue, hair loss, headaches and more. In other words, stress is a drag.
According to the Hormone Foundation, "Stress can lead to obesity, digestive problems, problems with the immune system and nervous system." A busy, chaotic lifestyle may be the reason for this stress. Many people are overextending themselves with work duties, family obligations and a number of responsibilities that seem to easily pile up each day. Even children are overwhelmed with school, homework, sports practice, music lessons, dance classes and a plethora of other extracurricular activities. Let's say you do cut back on a few things and are able to manage your time better. Even with this newfound breathing room, you may still struggle to quiet your "Monkey Mind." Monkey Mind is what the Buddhists call the overactive, worrying mind. They liken the Monkey Mind to a monkey, swinging from branch to branch, unable to stay still. It's a cute image, but not such a cute feeling. Why not learn to tame that monkey, once and for all?
Meditation doesn't have to consist of sitting cross legged on a mountain top chanting in foreign tongues. It is not necessary to be the Dali Lama or channel Ghandi to learn how to meditate. Meditation is not a great mystery reserved only for the super-spiritual among us. It is simply the ability to make the mind and body still. The peace and calm will come, as soon as you learn to focus on your breath and take the time, each day, to be still.

Things You'll Need

• Music

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Instructions

Tame the Monkey

• 1

  Time
  Set 20 minutes aside for you. Your kids will understand. Your partner will understand. You need that much needed, much deserved time for yourself. When you are calmer and happier, your loved ones will reap the benefits as well.

• 2

  Music
  Remember mix tapes? Remember how good they made you feel? Make a playlist for yourself. Choose music that makes you feel good, calm and happy. Save the high energy music for your workout, choose soothing tunes now. Choose enough music for a 20-minute meditation.

• 3

  Space
  Find a space where you can be alone. It can be a room with a scented candle, your backyard, on a bench or under a tree. Choose a space where you feel safe and comfortable.

• 4

  Breathe
  Close your eyes & play your music. Breathe in deeply through your nose. Hold for one second. Breathe out through your mouth. Hold for one second. Repeat three times. Continue to breathe in and out, long and deep breaths, through your nose and let the music wash over you. There is nothing that needs your attention in the next 20 minutes. The world will go on without you for the next 20 minutes. Trust that. Listen to your music as you sit still, alone with your breath and ...relax.