Everyday Calm: Relaxing Rituals for Busy People (9 page)

1. Place your hands on your waist and do circles with your hips.

2. Place your hands on your buttocks, fingers pointing down, and stretch your upper body slowly back. Keep your feet firmly planted on the ground for balance.

If you are waiting with friends, try a Line-up Loosening massage:

1. Ask permission to massage their shoulders.

2. Stand behind the willing person and place your hands on their shoulders.

3. Squeeze their neck and shoulder muscles slowly and firmly.

When a friend or stranger erupts into a grown-up version of a temper tantrum, it’s time to pause and offer assistance. All of us can blow up with frustration, given the wrong set of circumstances. Keep these principles in place for the sake of harmony:

1. Listen to the tantrum thrower’s words.

2. Do not try to cut off or calm them down right away.

3. Resist the temptation to join in with your own tantrum.

4. Don’t take any accusations personally.

5. Breathe, relax, and patiently wait for the release to end.

6. Ask if you can offer the person assistance.

Most tantrum throwers just need to get it out and will settle down on their own. Sometimes just being there is enough to help someone else get through their struggles.

Become bilingual in minutes by learning to read body language. If you are interacting with someone whose body is twisted up like a pretzel, it is likely that any further communication will prove futile. Attempt to counteract the situation by relaxing and hanging loose; wait for an opening. Master the art of observation with some simple body-language lessons.

ARMS AND LEGS:

1. If arms and legs are crossed, you should withdraw forceful questions and focus on being friendly.

2. If arms and/or legs are loose and relaxed, proceed without concern.

FACE AND EYES:

1. If eyes are looking upward, the listener is considering something.

2. If eyes are darting around, the listener may feel threatened or uncomfortable.

3. Tense facial muscles may be a sign that the listener is suffering information overload and it’s time to take a break.

Caffeine and sugar-laden foods seem like great quick fixes for stress, but if your body is loaded with stimulants, you’ll actually increase your chances of being agitated. On your next supermarket trip, open yourself up to the healthy zone. Slow down in the produce aisle to see if you can discover ways to satisfy your munchies with fresh, healthful foods. Explore different fruits and vegetables you’ve never tried before. Plan a spontaneous soup or salad. Collect different kinds of nuts and raisins for an on-the-go power mix. Herbal teas are an interesting and exotic switch from coffee. Are you weary? When you’ve filled your cart with healthful snacks, cool down in the freezer section with an all-natural fruit pop.

Watching the game at a favorite bar is a tribal tradition. Gather the gang together! Get rowdy and unwind by cheering for the home team. Let it out after a long week in the trenches, and don’t be afraid to stretch your vocal cords. Decompress. Get connected to your primal energy. When your team scores, bellow out ape sounds from deep in your belly—“Hooh, hooh, hooh, hooh!”—as you pump your fist in the air.

Just as you pick a restaurant that matches your mood, make sure that you’re seated at a table that sets the right tone for your meal. It’s worth waiting for. Feng shui is the art of harmonious placement, and it can apply to where you sit. When entering a restaurant, choose a table with comfortable chairs, a nice view, and a soothing atmosphere. Try to distance yourself from the heavy-traffic areas. Create a pleasant environment by developing a friendly rapport with your server. Before you eat, give thanks and gratitude for the food and companionship! Make a silent affirmation that this meal will be peaceful and that you will enjoy some good company. Taking your time and staying conscious of your experience is sure to turn a quick bite into a meal to be remembered.

End the day as peacefully as it began.

Comfort food with spice can be very nice!

When you want a unique dining experience but are too tired to leave the house, break out the fine china and order in. Indian or Thai food can be a treat. Request a mild sauce for a fiery yet stomach-soothing experience. Set up a getaway space on your living room floor. The comforts of home combined with exotic aromas are sure to send you on a mental holiday. Candles and calming music make the setting complete!