Stopping the World...just for a moment

How frequently does life just seem to get totally on top of us? Too much to do, too many people asking so much of us, too little time. We just desperately want something to change or even better can we please just stop the world and get off once in a while.

Well here's something you can do to take a moment out from your schedule.

Find somewhere safe that you can sit, it doesn't need to be private or even particularly quiet, I used to do this on the commuter train into London.

1. Just rest your hands in your lap, uncross your legs and let your feet rest on the ground.
2. Now starting at your head just see if you can notice where you may be feeling any tension. You may find it in the back of your head, around your temples or around your jaw. Just notice the tension and then allow the muscles holding that tension to soften and let it go.
3. Now move into your neck and shoulders and do the same, notice any tension, let the muscles soften and let it go
4. Continue this from head to toe, going into your arms and legs right down to your fingertips and to the tips of your toes
5. Whilst you are releasing the tension from top to toe just notice your breathing and let it slow down, just take steady and even breaths
6. Now imagine there are ten simple stone steps in front of you and count yourself from 10 to 1, each time as you take an imaginary step allow yourself to become deeper and deeper relaxed
7. And finally as you take the final step, on the count of 1 allow yourself to drift into a special place for you, it may be by the ocean, in the mountains, a garden, wheverever is peaceful and calm, a special place just for you
8. And now you are here imagine the sights, sounds, smells, make the image as real as possible. Here you are - your own special place and for just a few minutes on a complete break from the world.
9. When you are ready to come back to the real world, come back slowly, open your eyes if they have been closed, take a drink of water and reorientate yourself into the world ready for the day ahead and whatever new challenges the day may bring.

Good luck. With practice it'll get easier to find that sense of relaxation and peace.

Enjoy your mini breaks and best of all they are free!