Free Stress Relief 1: Sit in the Shower

August 25, 2011 · Posted in Health 120 views

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Stress is a serious affliction for many in modern society. Because of this there are literally thousands of “stress relief” methods being sold: books, DVD’s, audio recordings, pills, diets, topical creams and all sorts of devices designed to reduce or remove stress from your life. But what is stress? Very simply it is your mind and body’s reaction to external influences. So is it worth it to buy products to remove stress (which may be costly for some and actually adding to financial stress)? I believe stress is a response and a response can be trained and modified.

We don’t want to fully relieve ourselves of all stress. Stress can allow us to better respond to things, giving us adrenaline to move faster and be more alert in a potentially harmful situation. We want to reduce the harmful, chronic stress that comes from long term situations like work, relationships, money, etc. Constant worry and fear will wear down the body and the mind. We need to give ourselves some “down time” from this worry. I suggest that for most people that can be accomplished by practicing various methods of self distraction.

This is a series on free or very inexpensive ways to reduce stress.

Sit in the shower.

If you are hot often during the day (work outside in the summer, etc) make sure the water is slightly cooler than what you would normally use. I say a good rule of thumb is what you perceive the temperature of rain to be. Start the shower. If you have a shower head that allows you to adjust the pressure, be sure and select the softest setting. If you have a woodsy scented candle or some other natural scent that brings peaceful thoughts, light it and set it somewhere nearby (safely of course). Close the door and turn off the lights. Enter the shower and take a few moments to allow your body to adjust to the coolness. If this is a warmer shower (for those cold months, still take a moment and get used to the temperature.

Now take a seat. This should be comfortable for most people. If it’s not, this method may not be for you. Cross your legs or leave them stretched out before you. Whatever position is most relaxing for you is how you should sit. You will want to be positioned so that the water from the shower falls onto your head directly. Tilt your head down to your chest and keep your eyes closed. Now gently place your index finger into each ear. The sound of the water should be central in your attention, followed by the feel of the drops hitting your body.

Breath slowly and deeply through your nose. Listen to the water. Think only of the water. After a few moments, relax even further. Allow your mind to imagine you are in nature, beneath the rain or sitting in a small waterfall. If you have any special scents prepared, begin to pay attention to those as well and let them help you escape from your actual setting and be in this stress free hideaway.

Once you are firmly in this place, it’s time to tell yourself some things you probably never take the time to do. You love yourself. You are important. You are strong. There are numerous positive self affirmations you can use, just let them come naturally. The important thing is to make this you time. All of your problems can wait, and may even be easier to manage once you have had this time to regenerate. A thirty minute shower generally uses less water than filling up a bath tub, so don’t shortchange yourself. Spend at least fifteen minutes, more if your situation allows.

When you are done, slowly make your nature world fade out and return to focusing entirely on the sound of the water. Now remove your fingers from your ears and become aware of your regular surroundings again. Stand up, smile, and finish your shower as normal.

Make this a regular routine in your life. If not daily, try at least 3 times a week. If you try this, share your experiences with a comment please and let me know how it works for you.

Tags: Raindrops Keep Falling