By Jill Brennan
Do your legs feel tired, so tired that they ache and each
step feels heavy and difficult? It’s the end of the
day. You've done so many things today you can barely remember
all of them and you still have dinner to cook, children
to be fed and bathed, stories to be read, homework to supervise,
emails to send. The thought of all that you need to do
is overwhelming. Want to know a trick that can revive your
weary body and give you a boost that will keep you going
for the rest of the evening? Read on.
What I'm about to explain is actually a yoga move. But don't
worry. You don't need your head to be well acquainted with
the wrinkles on your knee to do this posture. What you need
is a free bit of wall and a cushion or two. You can also
do it on your bed if there is no big headboard and you remove
the pillows at the wall end first.
If you are using a wall, sit down facing the wall with two
cushions within reach. You need to sit close to the wall
and then swing your legs up so that your bottom is as close
to the wall as possible and your legs are straight up. Place
one of the cushions between your bottom and the wall so that
you sink into the position. The other can be placed under
your head. Once you are in position, place your hands stretched
out on either side of your body palms facing the ceiling.
Now close your eyes. Relax.
Even five minutes in this position will help relieve your
aching legs but you probably need to spend between 10-15
minutes to get the full benefit. Does it really matter if
dinner is 15 minutes later than normal?
While in the position, you can flex your feet, open your
legs to hip width or wider. Point your toes and stretch them
up the wall. It's up to you. The important thing is that
you feel completely at ease in the posture. Any stresses
or strains will be distracting.
If you find that your mind starts racing the moment you close
your eyes, you may need to find something else for it to
focus on. You could play some soft music or nature sounds
- set it on timer or program it so that it finishes at the
end of your allotted time and then you won't need to be checking
your watch.
Or you could read - you may need an extra pillow under your
head to comfortably do this. If you choose to read make sure
its something that can be finished in the time that you have
- like a magazine or short story - as it will give you a
greater sense of satisfaction and will get you up off the
floor at the end of your time. A short story is a good choice
because it transports you into another world and is a good
mind break - it is stimulating without being too taxing at
the end of a long day. Because it’s short there won't
be any convoluted plots to keep track off or too many character
names to remember.
If you find that your children are staring at you strangely
or pestering you for help, encourage them to get down with
you. It’s a nice non-confrontational way to talk through
your day. My four-year old son thinks it’s a great
time for a cuddle. Other times, he likes to try out his gymnastic
skills and that's OK too. As long as he lets me stay for
15 minutes and isn't too loud, I don't mind what he does.
So next time you feel exhausted, give it a try. I'm sure
you will be amazed at how relaxing and refreshing it can
be.
******
Jill Brennan owns and operates Espresso FICTION, where you
can find intriguing short stories to enjoy during a break
in your day. Delivered weekly via email, you can print them
out and enjoy them when and where you please. Think of it
as fast food for your mind. http://www.espressofiction.com
