3 Steps to Improve Your Day

​1 – Expose yourself to something inspirational; walk, music,           books
2 – Sit in a quiet place
3 – Breath
 
Notice I used the word, “improve”.  These are some simple things to improve what might be a terrible day or just make a good one better.
 
1 – It has been proved that connecting to nature in the form of a walk, working in the garden or just sitting and admiring the view can help calm anxiety, lower stress and release the feel good hormone, serotonin. 
 
Music is another source of raising your vibration.  In fact, it is reported that listening to classical music will increase your IQ by 15%.  Is it true?  I don’t know, but when I was a teacher, I used music to quiet down my students in the class after lunch and saw a huge difference in behavior and temperaments. 
 
Reading something inspirational is somthing I do almost every day.  Some of my favorites are “Peace Is Every Step” by Tich Nhat Hanh, “The Game of Life and How to Play It” by Florence Scovel Shinn, “The Power of Now” by Eckhart Tolle.  Some people find reading the bible or other spiritual writings to be soothing.  Find something that raises your spirit and just read a chapter or so in the beginning of your day or when things spiral out of control and you will find it helps reset your attitude.
 
2 – Removing yourself from chaos or negative spaces and/or people has an immediate effect on how you feel.  Finding a quiet place can really help remove distractions that knock us off balance.  Go to a place that you find attractive; a well decorated room, art gallery or a place outside.  Sit or walk and admire the surrounding beauty.  By letting your mind focus on something beautiful instead of where you were, you will find the effect calming and balancing.
 
3 – Breath can be the simplest and most effective calming tool.  No matter where you are or what is going on, you can simply change your focus to the sensation of the air flowing in and out of your nostrils and lungs.  Feel the chest expanding and contracting with each breath.  Really concentrate on the feel and movement of the body as it breaths.  Breath is the basis of most meditation exercises and yoga.  It is a very powerful way to transform your energy and mind.

Don't use the excuse you don't have time because everyone has 1-3 minutes in their day to take time out and your breath anyway so what if you put a little calm intention behind it?

---