Finding Time for Me Time: Three 10-Minute Exercises

by Jennifer Parmelee for the Live Well / Stay Well Program at Tournesol Wellness

“Me time” is the most valuable time that we have. In order to maintain serenity in our relationships and to be a provider of peace and joy, we must first make sure our own being is operating at its fullest and highest potential. What this means is that we must take responsibility for caring for ourselves and learn how to integrate tools and techniques that give us a reboot. We are composed of trillions of cells and thousands of systems, all while feelings hundreds of emotions each day. Most of us have to divide our attention amongst our children, family members, jobs, ambitions, spirituality, technology, and friendships. We become depleted and have compromised immune systems because our bodies are constantly on overload. The following three “me time” exercises will help alleviate stress and refuel you so you can live a more balanced life.

1. First thing in the morning, set a timer for 10 minutes and either sit up, or lie down in bed and close your eyes. Visualize your breath having a golden color. Breathe this golden light into the soles of your feet and move it upward through your entire skeletal structure, making sure to see each and every bone, organ, tissue, blood, and cell of your body. Breathe into your entire inner being and continue all the way to the top of the head, where the soft spot of the skull resides. Allow this golden light to bubble up and out, cascading down the entire exterior of your being. Feel yourself cocooned in the warm, golden, light that is self-revealing, centering, and healing. To gently come out of this state, take the tip of your tongue to the roof of your mouth and gently swallow.

2. Take 10 minutes to walk away from whatever it is you are doing and sit and close your eyes. Take your palms together in front of your heart and briskly rub until you feel heat emanating from them. Slowly separate your palms about an inch, and begin to feel a warm, fuzzy, tangible, sensation. This is your own healing energy, available to you at all times. Take your palms up to your closed eyes and allow it to seep deep into your place of calm, which is located about 2 inches deep within the brain. Breathe the golden light once again down and up your spine to reinvigorate your energetic levels. When you are ready to come out, gently take the tip of the tongue to the roof of your mouth and swallow. Get up and shake out your hands and feet, twist your body to the left and right, and release a giant sigh of Ahhhhhhhhh several times.

3. Finally, take 10 minutes at the end of your day to do something that you love. For example you can ride a bike, create a poem, sing a song, dance in your living room, take a bath, make a meal, paint a picture, make a craft, do a few yoga poses, pray, meditate, or write in a journal. If none of these work for you, do what does. If you are unsure, close your eyes and get quiet so you can hear what the message is.

Your Wellness Tip To-Go:

Drawing, painting, sketching, and many other creative activities involving art are not only a great way to find me time, but also wonderful to help you heal from the inside, out. Learn more about the benefits of art therapy here.

 

About the Author: Jennifer has been a devoted practitioner and teacher of yoga for over 25 years. She is the author of Petal by Petal – The Flowering Self: A Healing Chakra Journey, and created the Yoga CD, Sit Within Yourself: A Healing Chakra Guided Meditation. She is also a Certified Dona Doula, Lamaze Certified Childbirth Educator, Certified Lactation Counselor, Calm Birth Teacher Trainer, Certified Farm Midwifery Assistant, and Mother. She continues to teach and attend births in New York City, while facilitating yoga teacher trainings and providing pre-natal, restorative, and chakra-gemstone healing workshops nationally.