To calm down a stressed out mind, one brilliant thing I recommend to my clients is "The Tahiti Pose".

It resets the stress response and brings you back to a calm, relaxed state in just a few minutes.  You can do it anytime and it really helps with sleep just before bed ...

They say blood can get "stuck" in your big leg muscles when you're stressed because your body's preparing you to run for your life.   So to get a more balanced blood supply to your brain, you need to help your leg muscles let go, so more blood can drain back to your head.

All you do is lie on your back on the floor and lift up your legs to get your hips quite close to a soft chair or bed.  Put a cushion or folded blanket under your hips so your upper legs are not quite straight up (keep a slight angle to ensure circulation is maximised).  Then you bend your lower legs to rest on the top.   So you make a sort of "step" shape.   See the photo here.  Experiment with putting your arms out level with your shoulders on the floor or keeping them by your side.   Right now I prefer my arms out ... 

Your face will probably feel tight for a while and when that tight feeling goes, you're done!  Usually 15 minutes or so does the trick.   Extra points for a stomach rumble which shows you've really nailed the rest/digest relaxed state.

The Tahiti pose is a simpler version of a yoga pose (photo here) where you put your legs up against a wall.   if you prefer this one, remember to ensure your legs are not totally straight up by putting a cushion under your hips to lift them slightly.   Or just keep your hips away slightly from the wall.

And if you don't have the opportunity to lie down, then do something more vigorous with your body - like a few star jumps or running up some stairs.  This can reset your stress response and keep it calm for hours.  Perfect for when you know stressful times are gonna hit soon.    

Maybe you've already tried some of these?  Or maybe you know a variation? 

Do please share in the comments so we can all benefit ...

Image by MabelAmber-1377835, still incognito - Pixabay

A Native American was talking to his grandson.

 “There are two wolves fighting inside all of us – the wolf of hate & fear and the wolf of love & peace.”

The boy looked up, wide-eyed and asked,

“Which one will win?”

His grandfather replied,

“The one we feed,” 

I find it amazing how when we put words in a certain order, they can become something truly beautiful and inspiring. 

Here are a few that spoke to me recently:

"The soul is dyed the colour of its thoughts.  Think only on those things that are in line with your principles and can bear the light of day.  The content of your character is your choice.  Day by day, what you do is who you become."

- Heraclitus (Greek philosopher, circa 535 – 475 BC)

Nope - can't follow that......

Here's a great TED talk by Ric Elias - it's really short and really impactful.  He tells us what he learned in the few short moments when he thought he was going to die.  And how he's changed his life as a result.


And the best quote for me?  This one:

"I no longer try to be right.  I choose to be happy."