Relaxation is lacking in most of our daily lives. To relax means to relieve from nervous tension. Many of us spend our days and nights worrying about things that affect us and our families but there comes a time when the disquiet has to stop and the relaxation must begin.

Anything that is enjoyable is relaxing so whatever stops the mind from worrying about the negative aspects of life for a while is a useful tool. The essence of relaxation is to free the mind and body from the stresses and strains that life can put upon them.

Putting more stress into an already stressful life is pointless. To giving yourself endless tasks and limitations on your time, without ever sitting down to assess if what you are doing is worthy, causes sickness. Sickness of the mind and the body leads to breakdown. Breakdown takes a long time to recover from when it can be avoided in the first place.

Firstly, do not worry about anything that is out of your control such as other people’s behaviour. Be the best person you can be in any situation and the outcome is likely to be a positive one for you. If it turns out to be a negative outcome, don’t dwell in self-pity and ask, “Why me?” just accept your fate, learn lessons and stay focused on your way forward. Every single one of us walks a separate path.

Walking is a good way to relax. Whether it is a stroll down a country lane or a brisk walk with the dog before bed, walking makes you feel relaxed. So instead of sitting around worrying about life, get up and walk, even if it is raining brave the weather, and when you get back have a nice hot bath.

Fill the bath with water and slip under the surface and into the warmth. Close your eyes and do not start thinking about what is worrying you, unless while you were walking you found a solution. Allow your body to float and relax. Think about something nice you would like to do, go off into a fantasy for a while, but do not think about the bogy man under the bed.

Make yourself a warm drink of milk, find something to read and sit in a warm bed, sipping and reading. Soon your eyes will begin to close. Before you actually fall asleep, turn out the light and do not think of what tomorrow could bring. Just thank God for everything you have and pray that tomorrow will bring better things for us all.

If you really cannot sleep or relax try an herbal compound containing Valerian. Valerian is used for insomnia and other nervous disorders such as restlessness and anxiety and is an alternative to benzodiazepine drugs. It is used as an herbal sedative. It can be found in health food shops in the form of tincture or tablets.

Live life in the moment.

The most fundamental aggression to ourselves is to remain ignorant by not having the courage and the respect to look at ourselves honestly and gently. ~ Pema Chodron