Relax Your Way to Success

If you think spare time is a luxury you can't afford, think
again…relaxation is essential to your happiness, health and
success.

As busy people who really just want the best out of life we
can achieve we the least amount of pain and suffering we
certainly don't want to let stress get in the way of our
successes. But while we are driven to succeed, we need to
realize that taking time to relax isn't something to do
moments before we are about to collapse in a heap, it's an
indispensable part of performing at high levels while
staying healthy.

True success comes from more than just setting and achieving
goals. It comes from taking the time to smell the roses
along the way so that you can fully appreciate what you have
achieved. To accomplish this, you must take your well-being
seriously. You need to reflect on what you've accomplished
and take time to rest your body, mind and soul, even if only
for a few moments.

It's easy to grow accustomed to increased levels of stress.
To avoid getting burned out, don't just make relaxation an
item on your to-do list. Learn to rejuvenate your body and
increase your energy levels by:

Take a break, even if just for a minute …

Relaxation can take any form that's appealing to you and any
length of time. Studies have shown that simply tensing your
muscles and allowing them to relax is an effective way to
decompress. Find a quiet place to lie down, uncross your
legs and arms, and rest your palms on your stomach. Close
your eyes, and breathe deeply. Tense every muscle from the
top of your head to your toes for a second. Then simply
clear your mind for a moment.

Making relaxation part of your routine …

Take 15 minutes each day to reflect and have downtime. No
amount of regret can make up for lost time or opportunities.
Achieve clarity by recognizing your successes, letting go of
your stress, and deciding on the best step for you to take
next.

Turning frustration into inspiration …

When obstacles cross your path, it's much easier to get
riled up than it is to calm down. No one can predict the
future. Instead of becoming aggravated about occurrences out
of your control, relax and try to spot opportunities. Ask
yourself "How can this situation fuel my success?" You'll be
amazed at the possibilities you discover.

Saying NO to less important things …

You are in control of your to-do list. Learn to use your
intuition to decide if opportunities are right for your life
or your business. Saying no is a big part of your overall
success, and people will respect your honesty. In fact, they
will begin to approach you with the right ideas that will
help you achieve success on your terms.

To truly relax, you must be true to yourself. Pay attention
to any physical or emotional symptoms that arise in response
to stress. When you feel anxious, recognize that it's OK to
relax, slack off for a short period, or get more sleep.
Success comes from attaining your goals while having the
time and energy to celebrate your wins. Relaxation is just
one of the vehicles you can use to arrive safely and in
great health.