Tag Archive for relaxation

Relaxation Is An Important Part Of Mental Focus

Tough times make tough conditions for relaxation. A calm mind helps you stay focused.

So GenuLines offers some ideas to keep you in the calm zone.   

Relaxation Is An Important Part Of Mental Focus

It sounds counterintuitive. But if you want to improve you mental focus, you need plenty of rest and relaxation.
 
In other words, it’s easy to overdo it, and work too hard, which can then lead to lapses in concentration and focus.
 
dog during relaxation
 
 
 

For Starters

Start out by doing what you can to get a good night sleep. Poor sleep makes it harder to concentrate.
 
And a couple of hours of sleep isn’t going to cut it.
 
Your brain needs long periods of rest to process information. This “makes room” for you to focus on something new the next day.

Late Nights

While burning the midnight oil may seem like a great way to get more done and stay productive, the opposite is true. Yes, you can power through a long night to finish a project every once in a while, but it isn’t sustainable for the long run.
 
Do it when you must, but get in the habit of getting good sleep the rest of the time. Your brain and your body will thank you.
 
Taking breaks throughout your work day is another good way to stay focused and get more done. Work hard in short bursts of time and then take little breaks.

Break Time

Go get a cup of coffee. Move around your work space for a few minutes.
 
Or enjoy a day dream and give your brain a short rest before diving back in.
 
This doesn’t have to be long. You can get big benefits from breaks shorter than five minutes.
 
Go chat to a coworker, or do something like filing or straightening up a few things on your desk.
 
Then get back to your most important task at hand.

Time Out

A few longer breaks throughout the day can be as important as short breaks. Every couple of hours, take a 30 minute or longer break and walk away from your desk.
 
Go to lunch, have coffee with a friend, or go for a walk outside.
 
This gives your brain time to process what you’ve done so far and gets you ready for the next couple of hours of work

Balance

Now, don’t forget to do something fun and completely work unrelated at the end of the day and on the weekends. We all need balance in our lives.
 
If you enjoy your work and you’re invested in it, it can be hard to unplug and not think about it for a while. Make a conscious effort to take time for rest and relaxation.
 
You’ll find you actually get more done in the end since you’re able to focus when it’s time to get back to work.
 
JohnK 6-13-2022
 
stick man hears about relaxationOverheard: “Every now and then, go away, have a little relaxation, for when you come back to your work, your judgment will be surer”
                                  ~Leonardo da Vinci
 
 
 
 
 
 
disclaimer for relaxation

Stop Worrying About What People Think

Worrying isn’t good for much. Especially when you worry about what people think.

GenuLines wants to help you keep others’ opinions from getting to you. 

 

Stop Worrying About What People Think

Do you find yourself always doubting your decisions? Are you fretting over other people’s reactions to your actions or opinions?
 
worrying guy in hoodieIn this post, we’ll share some tips and tricks to help you stop worrying about what people think of you. Learn how to use constructive criticism to your advantage.
 
Then filter out any negative judgment.
 
 
 
This will leave you less anxious and less overwhelmed. As a result, you can stay more focused on yourself and the best ways to achieve your goals.
 
Let’s get started.
 
Are People’s Opinions Holding You Back?
Worrying about what others think and feel about you is a normal part of our DNA. We’re programmed to seek others’ approval.
 
Studies show there’s a reward center that’s activated when we’re given a compliment.
 
Even if you sense people’s recognition of your hard work, your brains fire up those same reward centers.
 
So acceptance brings a good feeling. Yet we won’t find acceptance from everyone every time.
 
Problems start when we start pivoting our lifestyles to fit people’s expectations. We give others power over our lives and how we should live it.
 
Thus, we lose out on experiencing genuine living.
 
Next
After that, things go downhill and start spiraling out of control. Being stuck in that mind frame can be destructive to you and those around you.
 
Going down this unproductive path, you’ll be leaving a path of destruction in your wake. It will affect your job, your relationships, and your self-esteem.
 
How Can I Stop Worrying About What People Think?
Do some serious soul searching. Do you feel that your reality has shifted? Have you started to believe in other people’s version of who you are as opposed to the real you?
 
Then, it’s time to step up and take some actionable steps. You owe it to yourself to share the real you with the world.
 
We rounded some simple, yet effective, ways to help you break this vicious cycle. Read on to learn more.
 
Focus on What’s Important
Has someone said something unkind about you? Instead of letting it fester, don’t let it go to your head.
 
Chances are, that person won’t recall what they said in about ten minutes. Plus, what they say reflects who they are as a person.
 
If you think about it, it actually has very little to do with you.
 
In other words, their perceptions of you come from them. And you’re not responsible for how they feel or what they think, neither can you change any of it.
 
So, why waste your time fretting over something you have no control over?
 
Instead, channel that energy into something productive. You can learn a new skill, take up a class, or pick up an old hobby.
 
Whatever it is, make sure it’s something you enjoy.
 

Some things more worthy of your time

Spend quality time with friends and family

 
Smile at the barista serving your coffee or hold the door for someone
 
Surround yourself with people who encourage and support you
 
Volunteer at a local shelter or food bank
 
Take a walk through the park
 
Have dinner at that restaurant you’ve been dying to try
 
Highlight Your Accomplishments
We’ve all been through difficult times in our lives; some more than others. At the same time, we’ve all accomplished one thing or another.
 
It doesn’t have to be anything grandiose or elaborate. But it does have to mean something to you.
 
Like filing your taxes on time or making home-cooked meals for an entire week. Be proud of yourself and all the hard work you put in.
 
You can even write down these accomplishments and hang them up on your fridge or vanity mirror. Then every time you catch a glimpse of one of your achievements, say to yourself, “I did that!”
 
Say it over and over until your subconscious takes it in.
 
Uplifting Talk
Another way to boost your confidence is to practice saying encouraging statements. These will help build up your self-esteem and improve the way you view yourself.
 
Here are a few statements to get you inspired:
 
My self-confidence is on the rise.
 
I’m worthy of all good things.
 
I can’t control what happens, but I can control my reaction to them.
 
My ideas are great.
 
I’m blessed and appreciative of everyone and everything in my life.
 
Train Yourself to See the Positive
Our brains see the negative. They’re wired that way.
 
We complain, we blame others, and we dwell. This has to stop!
 
You can train your thoughts to be more positive. And you can do it in a healthy, productive way.
 
As a result, you become less anxious and more resilient.
 

Take an honest look at your weaknesses or flaws

We all have them.
 
Some are better at acknowledging and improving them than others. Why can’t that be you?
 
Write down a list of five things that bother you about yourself. Then, set some realistic goals to change them and reward yourself each time you reach one of your set goals.
 
Make sure you start small and work at your own pace. The point is to feel good about yourself, not overwhelm or burden you.
 
That kind of defeats the purpose.
 
Practice Relaxation Techniques
Relaxation techniques are becoming popular because people are realizing the importance of self-care. These techniques aim at reducing stress levels and improving your health.
 
They also teach you the value of savoring the present.
 
When you focus on your today, you stop worrying about what happened in the past or what might happen in the future. These techniques can also help you stop worrying about what people think about you.
 
The great thing about them is that you can do them anywhere. Whenever you start to worry, remind yourself that you could be overreacting.
 
It’s likely that your colleagues aren’t judging you in the harsh way you think they are.
 
Take a few deep breaths and focus on anything around you: your coffee mug, a cloud, and your nails. Anything that can steer your thoughts to the present moment will do the trick!
 
Then, lo and behold, you’ll notice that your pulse is slowing down and so is your heart rate. Your anxiety will start to recede and you’ll realize you don’t care about what people think as much anymore.
 
JohnK 11-22-2021
 
Stick figure hears about worryingOverheard: “If only the people who worry about their liabilities would think about the riches they do possess, they would stop worrying.”
                                        ~Dale Carnegie
 
 
 
 
 
disclaimer for worrying

Anger Management 101

Your anger can be a terrible master. It will create a lot of problems in your life if not reigned in. 

So with that in mind, GenuLines looks at ways to keep the angry tendencies at bay.

Anger Management 101

Anger is a powerful emotion. Learning how to manage it can be difficult.
 
Yet, not impossible.
 
The problem isn’t that you get angry; the problem is in the way you express your anger. While anger is a normal and natural emotion, it can be overwhelming if not dealt with in the right way.
 
fist of anger
 
When you allow your anger to take over, it has a negative effect on your life. This is a sign that it’s time to make important changes to how you handle your emotions.
 
Allowing anger to take over can be very unhealthy. You can hurt yourself or someone you care about.
 
There are certain steps you have to go through to be able to cope with your anger in a healthy and productive way. We rounded up some of these tried-and-true techniques to help you cope with your anger.
 
You may have heard of some of them, but don’t knock any of them until you’ve tried each one several times.
 
Remember, the more you practice, the better you’ll get at controlling your anger. So, the next time you’re in a situation that gets your blood boiling, try these tips.
 

Deep Breathing

This helps you take the time to think about the situation. It gives you time to calm down rather than immediately lashing out.
 
Taking a few deep breaths also boosts blood flow to your brain. The more oxygen going to your brain, the more rational your thoughts and behavior will be.
 
Want to take it a step further? Do a slow count.
 
You can count up to 10 as you breathe in and out. Or you can count backward from 100.
 
Take the time to think about what number comes next. This effort will shift your focus and distract you from what’s making you angry.
 
When you disconnect yourself from the event that’s making you flustered, you’re less likely to act out. Taking some time to moderate your anger is a healthy and smart way to manage your anger.

Acknowledge Your Emotions

Start by accepting your anger. Tell yourself that it’s okay to be angry, but it’s not okay to let it out on others in a destructive way.
 
Be true to yourself. If you feel there are any negative issues from your past holding you back, find a way to deal with them.
 
There are several things you can do to move past painful memories, like
 
 
 
  • Write your thoughts and feelings in a journal
 
  • Find local support groups
 
  • Counseling or therapy
 
  • Practice yoga and meditation

Look Inward

Reflecting inward can help you see things from a different vantage point. Seeing things from a different viewpoint gives you clarity.
 
As a result, you can deal with the situation in a calm, relaxed manner.
 
Also, take a moment to ask yourself if the person who angered you actually meant to harm you. Or was it unintentional?
 
Looking at the situation from a 3rd person viewpoint is a terrific coping mechanism. You’ll be able to reach an amicable understanding and be respectful of yourself and others.
 

Learn Your Flashpoints

We all have certain people or places that make us angry. Thinking about them makes your temper soar.
 
To avoid seething with anger over someone or something learn your flashpoints. Start by figuring out what makes you angry.
 
Once you’ve identified your triggers, you’ll be better equipped at handling them. For example, let’s say you always take a certain route to work, but it’s always congested and that makes you angry.
 
Why not look for a different route and spare yourself the aggravation of wasting time in traffic?

Do Something You Love

Anger is a very intense emotion. To balance it out, you need to take up a hobby or activity you enjoy.
 
Creative activities like drawing, painting, or playing a musical instrument. These can benefit your mental health.
 
In fact, the more time you spend on creative pastimes, the less angry and stressed you’ll feel.
 
Other hobbies include physical activities like hiking, kickboxing, and cycling. Even taking a 10-minute stroll in the park can uplift your mental wellbeing.
 
These activities can help release pent-up negative energy in a healthy and safe way. Not only that, but exercise also stimulates your brain to release more feel-good hormones.
 
So, you don’t only get better at controlling your anger, you also feel happier and more resilient.
 
JohnK 9-13-2021
 
stick figure hears about angerOverheard: “Anger makes us feel so isolated”
                         ~Fred Rogers
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
disclaimer for anger
 
 

Overwhelm And Your Hectic, Stressful Life

Overwhelm and living a hectic life are two of the most common stresses. But it just so happens that you can control them!!
 
GenuLines looks at how these two things skyrocket your stress level and what you can do about it.

Overwhelm And Your Hectic, Stressful Life

A hectic life forces you to stay in a constant state of stress. You go and go with little to no break.
 
This is not good for the human body.
 
Time out
man showing overwhelmYou need to take a break, allowing you to calm your mind and body, starting anew with fresh energy. Keeping yourself in a constant state of busyness is horrendous for your stress level.
 
This, in turn, is bad for your health.
 
If your life seems too hectic you can start delegating. This will help you to reduce your stress and feel less overwhelmed.
 
 
 
What to do about it
There are some hectic and overwhelming things that are out of your control. Yet there are things you can do to help calm things down and reduce your stress.
 
First, get your priorities in order. Make a list of everything you have to do in descending order of importance.
 
When you’re done, see what you can cut out or delegate to someone else.
 
Get better organized
Organization can help reduce your stress. Keep a well-detailed calendar.
 
Divide your day into what you have to do and the time you’ve allotted in which to get it done. This will help you to feel less overwhelmed.
 
Finally, ask for help. It might surprise you to know how much your loved ones want to help you.
 
So let them. Start delegating tasks and try to make your life less hectic.
 
Delegating can help make all the difference
It can be hard to let certain things go, but sometimes, when it comes to your health, you have to. Delegating can help you keep a handle on the hectic parts of your life.
 
It can help you to reduce stress and prevent you from feeling so overwhelmed.
 
Delegating means allowing others to do some of the work for you so you have time to do other important things. You can delegate chores to others in your household.
 
You can have someone else drive your kids to their extracurriculars. These can take some weight off your shoulders.
 
Why you should bother
You need to know that stress kills. It can cause heart attacks, strokes, and other life-threatening conditions.
 
Minimizing your stress can help you think clearer, sleep better, and be healthier. It can help lessen your anxiety, as well.
 
So why, given an easy way to lessen your stress, would you not try it? It could mean a life and death difference for you.
 
Final Thoughts
We all deal with stress daily. But that stress builds up and could cause some serious health problems.
 
Being overwhelmed and living a hectic life are two of the biggest stresses in a lot of people’s lives. It’s good to know that with some practice you can manage them.
 
JohnK 10-26-2020
 
Stick figure hears about overwhelmOverheard: “If I cannot overwhelm with my quality, I will overwhelm with my quantity”
                                 ~Emile Zola
 
 
 
 
disclaimer for overwhelm

Get Better Sleep The Easy Way

These days good sleep seems like, well, a dream. But  GenuLines wants you to “sleep tight.”

Rest assured that the following suggestions are designed to let you do just that. 

 

microphone for speaking about sleep

 

 

 

 

Get Better Sleep The Easy Way

baby going to sleepIf getting good sleep is a challenge for you you’re not alone. It’s a common complaint of working people.
 
And stress due to lockdown and constant negative news reports doesn’t help either.
 
If you’re in one or more of these categories, here are some of the ways that can help make positive changes:
 
Develop better sleeping habits
Good sleep habits help you complete tasks. If you’re falling down in this area get to working on those habits.
 
You might start with daytime routines that include eating smarter. Avoid food that contains stimulants such as caffeine.
 
An afternoon nap can work, but don’t “over nap” and affect your sleep at night.
 
Daily exercise can help 
Aside from health benefits, regular exercise also helps you get better sleep. This is because it lets the body do enough work to want to rest at night.
 
Consider simple exercises like brisk walking or light yoga.
 
Come up with your own personal sleeping plan
More than anyone you know your own body. If you’re having trouble sleeping, analyze what may be the problem.
 
If it’s something that you can handle, try to do the things that will help you overcome it. You can do this by coming up with a personal sleeping plan.
 
Decide on what you’ll do each night. If the specific plan doesn’t work today, try another the next night and then another one the next. By doing this, you can find the techniques that will work for you.

Create a good sleeping environment

An easy way to get good sleep is to create a comfortable, and cozy sleeping environment. Take a look at your bedroom.
 
Is there something there that keeps you awake? It could be time to re-arrange the space.
 
Check to see if your bed still suits the needs of your body and if not, try replacing it. Look for smaller items that catch your attention and make it hard for you to close your eyes.
 
If there are, try removing them for a while until you’re able to sleep better.
 
JohnK 6-30-2020
 
stick figure man hears about sleepOverheard: “There is a time for many words, and there is also a time for sleep”
                                     ~Homer, The Odyssey
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
disclaimer for sleep

Childhood Obesity: Its Causes And What We Can Do

childhood obesity example
 
Childhood obesity has become an epidemic in our culture. Many children are so overweight that they almost stop being children.
 
They can’t play and enjoy their lives the way children usually do.
 
 
 
Of course, childhood obesity causes health issues too. Overweight kids tend to be sick more often.
 
And they’re at risk of developing long-term health problems. Understanding childhood obesity helps parents make decisions and prevent obesity in their children.
 
 
 
 
 
 
What Is Childhood Obesity?
 
Childhood obesity is a health condition. The diagnosis is generally based on a child’s BMI or Body Mass Index.
 
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has obesity guidelines for kids. The CDC defines it as a BMI greater than the 95th percentile for children of the same age and gender.
 
Your pediatrician records your child’s height and weight. Then the numbers are compared to the average child across the country.
 
What causes Childhood Obesity?
 
There are actually many causes of childhood obesity:
 
Hereditary factors
 
In some cases, genetics plays a role. A child may inherit a thyroid problem or another hormonal problem.
 
If parents and other family members are obese, then their children are more likely to be obese as well.
 
But, other environmental factors that may have a bigger impact on a child’s health. Things like diet and lack of activity.
 
Poor eating habits and lack of activity
 
The biggest causes of childhood obesity are poor eating habits and inactivity. Many obese children live on a regular diet of starchy carbohydrates and high-fat foods.
 
A fast-food diet is a major contributor
 
Let’s look at the common diet that’s high in sugar, white flour, and fat. These foods cause children to have blood sugar imbalances.
 
The highs and lows lead to cravings. Cravings then lead to more poor food choices and the cycle can quickly get out of hand.
 
The problem worsens when parents don’t or are unable to provide healthy options.
 
Cupboards stocked with junk food are tempting. Kids almost always choose the junk over a healthy snack.
 
Add inactivity to poor food choices and you have the makings of childhood obesity.
 
More and more children are left home to fend for themselves after school. When they’re home, they sit on the couch and watch television.
 
They play video or computer games instead of being active and playing outside. Obesity results when children are consuming way more calories than they burn.
 
Also, the calories they do consume are empty, not providing them with the nutrients they need.
 
What are some problems associated with obesity?
 
Overweight and obese children often face a life of ridicule from their peers. They suffer health challenges most adults cannot imagine.
 
The result can be a shorter lifespan.
 
The good news is that childhood obesity can be reversed. Children are incredibly adaptable.
 
They can learn new habits. But they can’t do it alone. They need support. They need adults who can help them make responsible and healthy decisions.
 
That’s where their parents or guardians are so important in helping them.
 
JohnK 9-5-2018
 
 
 
 
childhood obesity to manOverheard: “It is health that is real wealth and not pieces of gold and silver.”
Mahatma Gandhi
 

Stress Relievers – Tips For Dealing With Everyday Stress

 
No stress signEveryday stress can take its toll. It can become chronic, And it’s important to deal with it in a healthy way. 
 
Below are some tips for relieving everyday stress:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Prayer, guided meditation, and imagery –
Experts say that 10 to 20 minutes of prayer or meditation each day can help reduce stress. Guided imagery also may be helpful, and can be included with prayer or meditation.
 
You can find websites with stress-relieving images. And there are other sources for guided imagery online and at your library.
 
Or you could see a professional who can guide you through the imagery or meditation.
 
Take an art class –
Art therapy has been shown to help with stress relief. Being able to channel the internal emotions into an art medium can be very therapeutic.
 
Go easy on yourself –
Don’t engage in self-criticism. Repeat your mantra; say your prayers, meditate. or whatever you need to do to silence the “you’re not good enough” voice.
 
Learn to take a timeout –
When you’re stressed, you may be more prone to angry outbursts. Learn to take a moment for a timeout before responding to something that angered you.
 
Be unavailable –
Sometimes it can be very stressful to feel like you always have to be there for others. At some point, it’s important to turn off your telephone(s) and close your email.
 
Just be there for yourself. You can even choose a regular time to do this.
 
Tell your friends and family in advance. This way they’ll understand why you’re not answering your phone or email.
 
Breathe deeply
By themselves, meditation and slow, deep breathing may help to relieve stress. Deep breathing also may help remove toxins and relax muscles.
 
It’s also said to calm the mind.
 
Don’t set the stage –
Without meaning to, you might be setting the stage for everyday stresses. For example, if you don’t maintain your car, it may break down at the worst time.
 
Not taking care of your nutritional needs or your health can make trouble, too. Getting sick can really add to stress, especially trying to make up for the time lost after you get better.
 
Keep a healthy perspective –
Sometimes everything seems important and must be done right now. This is a recipe for overwhelm.
 
Try to keep a healthy perspective on things.
 
Remind yourself that a situation, decision, or “moment” may not really matter ten years from now.
 
JohnK 8-30-2018
 
 
 
man talking stressOverheard: “Adopting the right attitude can convert a negative stress into a positive one.”
 
                             ~Hans Selye
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A few “de-Stressing” Tips For a More Relaxed You

picture of john kobikCHI FOR YOURSELF wants to help you reduce your stress levels. This week in GenuLines we looked at some “stress-busting” tips. Today we get some actionable steps that are easy to do and will help you nurture good chi! 🙂



***Stress is an overwhelming force that interrupts our body’s natural ability to fend off disease. Use the following actionable ideas to help reduce your stress:

 

 

  • Woman3dWrite down two places that you consider your happy places. Think about these whenever you feel stress is getting the better of you.
  • Plan your next vacation even if you have a bit of time before you can take it. Just the act of doing research for it can put you in a better mood.
  • Find an organization that will allow you to give your time as a volunteer. Try to do it at least once a week or if you can’t swing that, do it twice a month.

 

JohnK 7-8-2016

chiforyourself.com home

 

Clipart image of overheardOverheard:

 

. “The greatest weapon against stress is our ability to choose one thought over another.”
~ William James

“The Stress Solution and More “De-Stressing Tips

picture of john kobikTodays CHI FOR YOURSELF scheduled guest (Arthur Ciaramicoli-The Stress Solution) will help us lower our stress levels. This week is a great time to get you to thinking about some ideas you can consider to begin the process. Each day this week GenuLines is posting several “stress-busting” tips. Tomorrow, you’ll get some actionable steps that are easy to do and will help you nurture good chi! 🙂

man with check signTOP TIPS
Stress is an overwhelming force that interrupts our body’s natural ability to fend off disease. Use the following tips to help reduce your stress.

 

 

7. Diet:
Because stress is an energy-robbing force, maintaining a diet that can
replenish our energy is an important part of combatting it. Avoid foods that
make you sluggish and sleepy. Eating fruits and nuts are great energy foods.
Drink lots of water to stay hydrated as well.

8. Take a Vacation:
Companies offer vacations to their employees for a reason. It gives the
employees the ability to live life outside the company. It also helps the
employees get away from the situation that may be causing stress and lets
them see that there is more to life than just work.

9. Visit with Family:
Even if you choose not to take a vacation, spend more time with your family.
You can plan day trips here and there or you can just all be with each other for
short periods of time each day. If schedules are scattered, try to set up, at
least, two days a week where the whole family must be together for dinner.

 

JohnK 7-7-2016

chiforyourself.com home

 

listener animationOverheard:

“Keep your temper,” said the Caterpillar.”
~Lewis Carroll, Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland & Through the   Looking-Glass  

 

 

Saying NO to Stress: More Ways You Can Do This

picture of john kobikTomorrow’s CHI FOR YOURSELF scheduled guest (Arthur Ciaramicoli-The Stress Solution) will help us lower our stress levels. This week is a great time to get you to thinking about some ideas you can consider to begin the process. Each day this week GenuLines is posting several “stress-busting” tips. At the end of the week, you’ll get some actionable steps that are easy to do and will help you nurture good chi! 🙂

man with check signTOP TIPS
Stress is an overwhelming force that interrupts our body’s natural ability to fend off disease. Use the following tips to help reduce your stress.

 
 
 

4. Connect Socially:
We need contact with each other. Face-to-face contact is the best but if that is
not available connect with people on social media. Strive to stay off business
and political topics when you are stressed out. These will only add to your
stress. Consider talking about music, funny stuff, or whatever you and your
friends would like to talk about.
 
5. Volunteer:
Volunteering can help people see that their lives aren’t always as bad as they
thought. When they see others that are worse off and have the ability to help
those people, the stress levels can be drastically reduced.
 
6. Exercise:
Exercise is a proven stress reducing activity. If you are extremely stressed out,
consider upping the ante and going for higher impact type of activities like
Kickboxing or some kind of boot camp. Exercise can actually help prevent
onsets of stress from happening in the first place and can reduce the effect
when it does.

 

JohnK 7-6-2016

chiforyourself.com home

 

Overheard:clip art of man

“Its not stress that kills us, it is our reaction to it.”

~Hans Selye