Everyday Calm: Relaxing Rituals for Busy People

Relaxing Rituals for Busy People

by
Darrin Zeer
illustrations by
Cindy Luu

Find Calm

. . . within.

Introduction

Five Simple Steps to Everyday Calm

Tranquil Morning

Refreshing Midday

Effortless Afternoon

Easy Evening

Nurturing Nighttime

Biographies

Acknowledgments

Stressed out?
24
,
71
,
78
,
84

Need an escape?
34
,
40
,
46
,
54

Need to get organized?
25
,
28
,
29
,
57

Whole body aches?
68
,
72
,
86
,
92

Can’t concentrate?
42
,
50
,
52
,
60

Feeling impatient?
29
,
30
,
58
,
85

Looking for a healthy boost?
22
,
38
,
71
,
76

Sore back?
16
,
20
,
66
,
86
,
91

A little inspiration?
19
,
23
,
59
,
62

Give to others!
23
,
31
,
35
,
36

You’re busy—who isn’t these days? Whether at work or at play, you’re always on the go. From the moment you wake up, as you drive through rush-hour traffic, when you’re talking on your cell phone, until your head hits the pillow, you’re in a hurry. And the drive to get things done is taking its toll. Your mind gets overwhelmed, and your body gets tense.

It’s time to find calm. When you slow down and think clearly, you become more efficient. When you take time to be friendly and polite to those around you, the day is much more pleasant. When you’re rested, you make fewer mistakes. When you take de-stress breaks, your creativity skyrockets. When you focus on giving to others, your relationships improve. Taking care of each area, step by step, you are guaranteed to find more peace of mind.

Everyday Calm
has many quick tips and tricks for keeping your cool from morning to night. Learn how to get out of bed gracefully. Turn your home into a blissful sanctuary. Relax for a moment of meditation while you do the laundry. Make a “to do” list to manage your busy day, and try a yoga stretch while you wait in a long line. Slip into a cyber café for a virtual vacation. Indulge with a soothing soak in a scented bath. This book has relaxing ideas for your every need. Turn to the section that speaks to you: Tranquil Morning, Refreshing Midday, Effortless Afternoon, Easy Evening, Nurturing Nighttime—which-ever part of your day needs a little calm.

To get started, open the book to any page and see what area of calm you discover. Or if you have a specific need, check out the Quick Help Guide on page 9. Whatever you do, if you make an effort to relax more during your day, I promise that you will find more fulfillment along the way. Take care, and enjoy yourself as you discover everyday calm.

*1*

I will breathe and relax moment by moment.

*2*

I will stay calm and focused in all my interactions.

*3*

I will treat myself and others with care and patience.

*4*

If I feel overwhelmed I will take a calming break.

*5*

I will travel through my day peacefully.

Start your day in a peaceful way.

Try to spend a calm moment before jumping out of bed and starting a busy day. Taking time to stretch will help you start your day on the right foot. In this exercise, focus on gently relaxing your mind and body.

1. Lie flat on your back and take a few breaths.

2. Notice any areas in your body that are sore or tense.

3. Gently raise your knees to your chest.

4. Wrap your arms around your knees and breathe deeply.

5. Let your knees slowly drop to one side.

6. Enjoy the stretch in your lower back and hips.

7. Take your time in the stretch; then switch sides.

8. When you’re ready to get out of bed, slowly roll to your side and push yourself up with your hands.