It is natural to get tired in the journey of daily life. Too much work, situational pressure, or mental tension – all take a toll on the body and mind and adversely affect the routine of everyday life. On the other hand, resting occasionally energizes the body and mind and makes possible better concentration on work. That is why the role of rest in daily life becomes crucial. Here we will talk of some methods which are effective in giving rest to the body and mind.
For relaxation purposes, the method of breathing prescribed in yoga is handy. In this, one lies down supine. The mind is focused one by one on different parts of the body, feeling its tension, and then consciously releasing and letting it go gradually, thereby making every pore of the body completely still. Together with this, some other yogic exercises could also be practiced. Massage is very effective in removing tiredness and making the body unwind and relax. Some knowledgeable person may be consulted to get the full benefit of massage technique.
More than physical labor, it is mental tension and stress which frequently tires a person. Tiredness dulls a person’s concentration, memory, and interest in work and makes the flow of life cumbersome. To counter this situation, it becomes necessary to follow those rules of lifestyle which soothe the mind. Here some such practical measures are being mentioned.
Take a slow and deep breath. This practice is very effective in making the mind calm. Together with this, certain other relaxing pranayams, such as sheetkari or sheetali can also be practiced. These can be learned under the supervision of an able teacher.
Taking a bath in warm or cold water, depending on the season, also proves very refreshing and makes the body and mind fully energized. All over the world, it is a common practice to take a hot bath in tubs or hot water ponds or streams. Hot water can also be arranged at home. Besides a hot bath, even a hot cup of tea or milk or a herbal drink is refreshing and fruitful.
Listening to music has an incredibly soothing effect on the mind. The magical power of music can be tried whenever one is down with exhaustion. These days ‘mindful meditation’ is in vogue. The essence of this is also to live life with full alertness and consciousness.
Pay attention to what is happening in the present; listen to your body, concentrate on whether its beats are slow, fast, or deep. Try to hear every sound which is entering the ears. The sounds outside the room – the chirping of birds, a train passing by, or complete silence – all these can be sensed and experienced.
Some other practical steps can also be practiced. Whenever the mind feels stressed and agitated, try to make a mental list of pending work, prioritize it, and execute it accordingly. You will see that the tension is gradually going away, and the mind begins to feel light.
In daily life, prayer is a panacea for soothing the agitated mind. One can also lighten the mind’s burden by sharing it with a close friend or family member. If no such person is available nearby, diary writing can be started. This is a very effective way to vent the pressure in mind and make it reposed. After the diary, the next stage could be creative writing. On the strength of writing power, a person can create a happy atmosphere around him in the most challenging times. Try to recollect those moments when you were joyful and buoyant. Albums or videos of older days and happy occasions can fill your tired mind with new energy and inspiration. One can recollect an inspiring or entertaining story or anecdote connected with a group, gathering, or place in this process. Chit-chatting about such past moments with family members or friends and light banter with them can also lighten the mind. The practice of laughing aloud, especially in a group, is very effective. Whenever or wherever such an opportunity comes, one should not miss it. When a prolonged sitting at one place leads to boredom, one should get out of the house and start walking. This also fulfills the need for rest.
Such exercises and practices are more fruitful if done in the lap of nature. In the time of corona, when life has been confined to four walls of the house, getting out in the sun occasionally could be very invigorating and healthy. In such times, one should engage in those work as give pleasure and satisfaction, such as gardening, singing, fine arts, and the like. Some sport or games can also be tried.
Apart from the above, one should keep minimum expectations from others. Expectations, if not met, become the cause of mental agony. Strained relations and pessimistic thoughts too generate tension and tiredness. In such moments try to recollect the good done by others and feel gratitude towards them.
Keep the mind optimistic and cheerful by thinking about whatever good has happened or is happening in life. At the same time, keep aloof from stressful situations and move aside to isolated and peaceful places. If possible, go to a garden or park with lots of greenery or a jungle. Try to inhale and feel the fragrance of flowers floating around in the air.
In such circumstances, the company of a pet animal is also helpful. Exercise regularly. Avoid any intoxicants. Take full sleep. Eat light and nutritious, and easily digestible food. Do not waste time on T.V. or mobile and occupy yourself in some creative work. The more we do so, the more we would be able to snatch moments of peace and happiness from the hurly-burly of life and make our lives peaceful.
Akhand Jyoti Magazine 2021 Nov-Dec