6 Seconds To Relax

Ever have one of those days when it seems there's not a minute to catch your breath, let alone meditate or relax?
A day when you feel like the proverbial busy bee, with no time to admire the fragrant flowers you're landing on?
Or, perhaps for you, some days flow smoothly, but there are still some - or many - during which taking a break feels impossible.
On those days, instead of an evening, an hour, or even 15 minutes to relax, could you spare 6 seconds?

Yes, that's right… 6 seconds.
That's the time it takes to let yourself have 1 relaxing breath. 2 seconds breathing in through your nose, and 4 seconds exhaling through your mouth.
Right now, I'm going to ask you to take 12 seconds for an experiment.
At the end of this sentence, practice that relaxing breath… 2 seconds in and 4 seconds out.

That's right. And once again at the end of this sentence… 2 seconds in and 4 seconds out.
Even that little amount of time – 6 seconds - can help your body and mind relax. Let your heart rate slow. Let some of the stress slide away.

Now how can you give yourself the gift of relaxing breaths during even your busiest days? One answer is to pair a relaxing breath with an activity that comes up repeatedly during your day. For example, let's say you're a secretary. Each time your phone rings, breathe before you answer it.

(6 seconds is less than the time it takes for the phone to ring again, so no one will even notice you're taking time for yourself.)

"Smile, breathe and go slowly." – Thich Nhat Hanh