Slowing Down

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"Life is about balance. You don't always need to be getting stuff done. Sometimes its perfectly okay, and absolutely necessary, to shut down, kick back, and do nothing." 
~Lori Deschene ~

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We live in go-go-go society, where we've adopted the belief that never-ending to do lists and busy, un-yielding schedules are necessary to be and feel successful.

While success and productivity are great, our definitions and values surrounding these concepts are largely misguided. 

To us, productivity, means doing more, and we believe this type of productivity is required to be successful. Furthermore, many of us associate (to some degree) our own value or worthiness with our success in life. So essentially, we think that doing more makes us better people.

When we believe so deeply that doing more makes us better people, then what do we believe about ourselves when we do less?

In the moments you put the to-do list aside and choose to kick-back and relax how do you feel? 
Does the to-do list continue to nag? 
Is there a feeling of guilt or label of laziness that arises?  

What if those moments we negatively label as lazy, the moments we choose to relax, rest, and slow down, could be looked at as an accomplishment, rather than a failure? 

Lets start looking at slowing down as an investment in our health, because ultimately it is. 

Below are just a few of the benefits of rest:

• Improves cardio vascular function
• Boosts your immune system
• Lowers blood pressure
• Reduces cortisol levels
• Slows the aging process
• Improves memory function, concentration, and productivity
• Stimulates creative drive
• Increases positive thinking

When we look at it that way, the act of non-doing, is one of the most productive things we can do for ourselves. And right now, the earth is giving many of us a unique opportunity to prioritize rest, so why not take advantage of it?
 

How can you schedule more rest?

Some things you can start doing at home to bring more restoration to your body, mind, and spirit during this time are: 

• Meditation or mindful breathing
• Yin or Restorative yoga
• Baths with Epsom salt and relaxing herbs or essential oils
• Abhyanga - Ayurveda self massage


Below we have included a complimentary 30 minute Yin Yoga Practice that you can do at home. We hope you enjoy it. 

Yin Yoga: the Practice of Surrender

Benefits:

Improves flexibility, mobility, and range of motion

Activates the flow of Qi or Prana and balances internal organs

Strengthens the joints and connective tissues

Reduces stress  and anxiety

Increases circulation


"if you don't use your full range of joint flexibility, the connective tissue will slowly shorten to the minimum length needed to accommodate your activities. If you try to flex your knees or arch your back after years of under-use, you'll discover that your joints have been "shrink-wrapped" by shortened connective tissue... 
In general, a yin approach works to promote flexibility in areas often perceived as nonmalleable, especially the hips, pelvis, and lower spine.." ~Paul Grilley

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We hope you enjoy the class offered and that it provides you with the opportunity to slow down.

Remember, if you need extra assistance in this time, Harmonizing Healthcare is offering online herbal consults. Feel free to give us a call to book your next session!

With gratitude, 
the Harmonizing Healthcare team

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(928) 856-0656