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Breathe in, breathe out... then visit Philly's most relaxing venues to help create balance
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Symptoms of living in imbalance include “isolation, acting out – overeating, overspending to compensate for the imbalanced work life – looming regrets, relationship deterioration and a loss of daily joy,” according to professional organizer and life coach Dorothy Breininger, founder and CEO of the Los Angeles-based Center for Organization and Goal Planning.
When living in a constant state of readiness, the body’s “flight or fight” response often creates adrenal overload, or conversely, depression. Making time to have fun is one way to beat the imbalance monster. However, for those days when life won't allow even an hour to relax, Breininger recommends meditation to create space between people and the hurried thoughts and energy surrounding them. She explains, “it clears our heads and oxygenates our bodies, which are proven methods for relaxation and good health.”
Once work is over, dinner is cleaned up, bills are paid and the kids are in bed, working professionals may be left with as little as 30 minutes, or for some, only 15 minutes to relax. In that case, Angela Baylis, DO, managing partner of Raleigh, N.C.-based Iatria Health Center, recommends a two- to three-minute breathing exercise for stressful moments and regular re-balancing.
Baylis says, “Take in deep, deep breaths and breathe out. Imagine the happiest thing in your life, place it in your heart and visualize it spilling over your body. Next, think about whatever is giving you stress, place it at your heart and visualize it being washed down through your body out through your feet. Then, go back and again imagine the happiest thing in your life, place it in your heart and visualize it spilling over your body.” She adds that it’s best to start and end with a positive thought, and recommends information on relaxation tips and biofeedback from heartmath.
According to Breininger, easy relaxation methods include taking deep and full breaths frequently, thinking positively, making time for fun activities, taking a brisk 10-minute walk or conducting a gentle stretching session. “If you’re already a physically active kind of person she suggests shifting to cerebral work, such as “writing about how relaxed you are, (even if you’re not, which) will create new thoughts and your body will respond accordingly. If your mind says you’re relaxed, your body will respond in kind.”
For more info: Check out this list of Philly's best stress-busting activities:
Yoga in and around Philadelphia
Hiking around the Philadelphia area
Meditation centers in Philadelphia
Picnicking around Philadelphia
Spas in and around Philadelphia
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