Those hazy, lazy days of summer, weather permitting, are ideal times for finding time to relax, either on an annual holiday or at weekends. And yet, for all too many of us, we are so used to absorbing information, working against the clock, commuting or just dealing with life that that we unable to totally unwind or relax. I don’t know of anybody who at the end of their lives wishes they had worked harder, it’s always that they wished they had spent more time with family, on hobbies, just living in the moment and appreciating what they had around them.

Relaxation is a skill that can be learned just like any other. It is more than a skill, it is a natural state, this is why we are called human beings instead of human doings. Many clients contact me initially with a feeling that ‘life should be better than this’ During the free clarity call I offer it does become apparent it could indeed be better. Clients can often be surprised when I suggest that they could actually achieve more by doing less! In the same way that if you constantly keep a muscle under tension or strain it will ache and eventually fail as it needs periods of rest to remain in good working order, this also holds true for your entire being, your mind, body and spirit. You must take time out to relax. Relaxation does not mean lazing on a sofa in front of the TV, as this can be the exact opposite of relaxation if the programme is full of bad news, violence and crime. My approach to relaxation is to show clients how to switch off completely, how to do nothing except enjoy their ‘now’ moments and how to let go of the many thoughts that may intrude.

Time to relax

Summer is a perfect time to practice relaxation as there are more opportunities to being outdoors and sharing time with those we love and care for.

Days on the beach, in the countryside or in the hills, BBQ’s with friends and family, playing in the park with the children, all ‘now’ moments. Once my coaching clients get their heads round the concept that ‘less is more’ they find it is easier to do this than they thought possible. They are even more surprised when they discover how much higher their energy levels are after proper relaxation. Take the time today to reflect on when was the last time you did truly relax, and how you can work towards enabling more time to relax into your life.