A Beautiful Ripple Effect

A reader asked me if I could discuss how to create a personal relaxation menu. After some creative brainstorming, I came up with a little series/mini workshop that will guide you through the process. The series consists of four parts.

Inspiration and relaxation methods are not one-size-fits-all. Interestingly, we are inundated with so many new self-help techniques that it has become increasingly difficult to apply them in our everyday life .

Like most individuals, I need reminders to incorporate time for rejuvenation into my life. One such reminder is something I began playing with in college: the personal relaxation menu. A personal relaxation menu evolves with time and practice, but always aims to provide relaxation techniques that work for you in different circumstances. Although it’s a simple tool, it takes time to create this menu since it’s tailored for you, by you. I will guide you through the process of creating a personal relaxation menu over the course of four posts.

If you’re just starting our series, jump in here or start at Part 1 followed by Part 2. Then, meet up with us here when you’re ready!

Overview of Our Journey:

• Part 1: An Inspirational Scavenger Hunt. [Collect]
• Part 2: Time and Energy are not equal. Play matchmaker. [Divide]
• Part 3: Set-up blind relaxation dates. [Collect + Divide]
• Part 4: Connect the dots. Put the relaxation puzzle pieces together. [Conquer]

Part 3: Set-up blind relaxation dates. [Collect + Divide]

In Part 1, you learned how to create your own inspirational scavenger hunt. Through this activity, you are able to increase your personal awareness of what makes you happy and what boosts your energy (Yay for serenity triggers!). Then, in Part 2, we put intention into the mix and examined how our energy fluctuates in relation to time.

Now, there’s the fun part! You get to set up blind relaxation dates. First, make a list of your most eligible bachelors/bachelorettes (i.e., energy boosters). Then, choose your top five energy boosters/relaxation techniques. These are your blind dates!

Ready to mingle now? For each of the five relaxation boosters, schedule two 5-minute blind dates (one 5-minute date at a time when you typically have peak energy and the other 5-minute date at a time when you typically have low energy). Don’t worry about the days; only think about the time. Set up your relaxation dates using the download created by your personal relaxation matchmaker (moi!).

After your blind dates, note how you feel (you can do this on your date cards).

What relaxation techniques work best at your peak energy times? For example, during your peak energy time, you may notice that a calming technique provides the greatest benefit (ex. deep breathing, listening to soothing music, doing a few yoga poses, journaling). It may allow you to reconnect with your self and become more focused.

Also notice what relaxation techniques work best at your low-energy times.

When your energy level is low, you may gain the most from a technique that gives you a surge of adrenaline (ex. jumping jacks, listening to up-beat music, calling a friend). Experiment with these different techniques until you find a natural rhythm. Then you’ll know what works best for you and when.

The options are truly endless, so enjoy the process of personalizing your own relaxation menu!

In the final component of this mini-workshop series (part 4), we will pull together all the different puzzle pieces, connect the dots, and organize a personal relaxation menu. Look for part 4 in early November – subscribe to be notified when it’s published!

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join the conversation: share your relaxation secrets in the comments below!

(official wedding countdown: 17 days – o h m y g o s h . . . y i k e s t h a t i s s c a r y)

image: sarah jane studios