Diana Psyras Why not try a simple Appreciation Exercise right now. It only takes a minute – I think you will be surprised by the results.
Appreciation Exercise Heart Focus:
Focus your attention on your heart area, and breathe a little deeper than normal, in for 5 or 6 seconds and out 5 or 6 seconds.
Heart Breathing:
Imagine breathing through your heart. Picture yourself slowly breathing in and out through your heart area.
Heart Feeling:
Activate a positive feeling as you maintain your heart focus and breathing. Recall a time you felt good inside, and try to re-experience the feeling. Remember a special place or the love you feel for a close friend, relative or treasured pet. The key is focus on something you really appreciate.
How do you feel?:
Do you notice a greater sense of ease, wellbeing or relaxation? Want to go even deeper? Try incorporating greater Appreciation into your life in these simple ways:
1. Appreciation Breaks:
Take two or three appreciation breaks each day – ideally in early morning, during work, school, returning home or before bed. Just follow the above simple steps. It takes as little as two minutes to achieve mental, emotional and physical balance.
2. Appreciation List:
Make a list of things you appreciate – people, places, activities, pets – and choose one or two each morning to hold in your heart during the day. Choose an item again at night to hold in your heart while you rest.
3. Appreciation in the Moment:
Keep your Appreciation List close all day. In stressful moments, choose an item that can quickly evoke appreciation. It can turn a stressful day into one that flows – in 30 seconds or less.
