Creating a Healthy Lifestyle

Katie states, “It’s hard for me to relax because I have two preschool children who are constantly wanting attention.  I wish I could relax, and even meditate, but my hectic life makes it hard.

Katie is in a dilemma.  She loves her children and gives them all of the attention they need.  At the same time it causes her a lot of stress.  It is affecting her health and this is disturbing for her.  Katie says quite anxiously,  “I’ve been getting a lot of headaches lately, and my blood pressure is higher than it was in the past month.”

If you are in a situation, like Katie, you need to find time to meditate and relax.  It’s not easy, of course, with two children who are very active and wanting your attention,  But it’s imperative to begin to set a time to meditate.  It’s best to do this when the children are in preschool, or in the evening after they’ve gone to bed.  At these times, put your mind at ease away from any distractions.  In this quiet time, close your eyes and focus on your breathing,  inhaling and exhaling deeply and slowly.  When distracting thoughts pass through your mind, let them pass by, and go away.  Don’t fight it. Just let go.  Return to your breathing, for about fifteen minutes.  This type of meditation is a good start.

In addition to meditation, when the children are awake and want your attention, do a project with them that you and they would enjoy.  For instance, it’s helpful if you can buy some story books that you and the children would relish.  Read these stories to them with enthusiasm.  If you do this often enough, it will be relaxing for you and the kids.  Make this a regular, daily practice.

Finally, as you practice these new ways to relax, your health will improve and your life will be more enjoyable.  I discuss some ways to relax and meditate in my latest book, Create a Healthy Lifestyle, which you can order through my website.