December is, above all, a time of waiting.
We wait for Christmas to arrive, for the silent darkness of the solstice, for the sun to begin it's slow return, for our hearts to change.
Too often, December becomes a frantic time of stress with too much to do and not enough time to do it. There is little time for reflection and self-care. We can arrive at December 25 exhausted and vaguely unhappy.
Taking time to ponder, to enjoy the wait, to step back from the frenzy of consumerism can be nourishing.
Although I am not a fan of what plays on most radio stations during the month of December, called 'holiday music,' I do look forward to hearing certain pieces of music which seem to replenish the spirit and add quiet joy to the season.
Here is a bit of Advent music guaranteed to calm and bring a sense of that peacefulness, which seems, so often, just out of our reach. Click through to You-tube, close your eyes and enjoy.
Has the media-mania in the run-up to the election got you down? Are you jumpy? Angry? Not sure why you are so upset?
Perhaps the constant bombardment by feverish pundits and news 'commentators' has you a bit on edge?
Have they convinced you yet that the world will end if so and so is elected or reelected depending on who is speaking?
You already know who you are voting for, right? So why stress out about something over which you have little control.
Here's how I am escaping the hype without flying to a remote island in the Pacific. I:
*** Shut the TV and radio "news" off. (OK I will watch the debate, but nothing else especially not anyone else's take on the debate. I can make up my own mind, thank you very much!)
*** Read the paper if I want to know the news.
*** Kick back and listen to some soothing music.
Here's and hour or so of wonderful Chopin Nocturnes to help
block out the craziness.
Wouldn't it be great if we could all continue to sleep like the babies we once were. I often hear friends, family and , when I was practicing nursing, patients, complain about not being able to get a good night's sleep. It's seems like everyone is sleepless and not just in Seattle. I wonder why? Adults require 8 to 9 hours of sleep in order to function well during the day. Missing sleep occasionally is nothing to be concerned about, but if one is sleepless many nights a week, it can impact health negatively. Interestingly, anxiety, depression and obesity can all be side effects AND causes of sleep problems. At least a dozen studies show a link between chronic missed sleep and weight gain. Here are some tips to improve your chances of getting a good night's sleep. * Limit caffeine intake after noon. * Turn off all electronic devices, including the TV and computer, ONE HOUR before you plan to go to sleep. * Use the bedroom for sleep and sex, nothing else! * Don't eat heavy or high fat foods within several hours of bedtime. If a snack is needed, it can be a small serving of protein and a piece of fruit. (yogurt and a peach OR a few crackers and cheese.) *Avoid alcohol if you are having sleep issues. A nightcap may help you fall asleep, but it only works for a few hours. Then guess what? You are wide awake! *Exercise, but not late in the evening. * If the stress of modern life or personal problems prevents you from falling or staying asleep, consider learning some relaxation techniques. Then practice these consistently. For some, meditation or soothing music works wonders. For others, prayer does the trick. * If your sleeplessness lasts more than a week or two after you make these lifestyle changes, see your doctor. Everyone deserves a good night's sleep, every night. If you aren't getting it, do something about it. Your health may depend on it! Here's some soothing music for James Taylor fans, babies, moonlight ladies, cowboys, anyone who craves a bit of early '70's nostalgia and especially for anyone who needs a lullaby!!
" A painter paints pictures on canvas. But musicians paint their pictures on silence." Leopold Stokowski
Here's an unusual rendition of a quintessential American song from 'Porgy and Bess.' Very laid back, perfect for relaxing . And just in time for summer too.
What do you listen to when you want to relax and unwind from a stressful day?
Today's Tip - When the music begins, close your eyes, take a deep breath, relax your shoulders and give yourself to the music for three minutes.
Years ago, when I first began my career as a visiting nurse, I discovered that the stress of a demanding profession had followed me out of the hospital and on to the highway. In addition to the challenges of being out in the community, going into strangers' homes, assessing patients who were often discharged from the hospital too soon, I had to contend with heavy traffic and finding my way from one place to the next in towns I had never been to before. My home care career began prior to the days of Map-Quest and well before the days of the soft-spoken computer generated GPS voice smoothly correcting the driver when she overshot or made a wrong turn. Getting around the county involved a dog-eared Hagstrom's and the ability to make a quick U-turn to avoid a 10 minute detour. Needless to say, this added to the stress of an already stress-filled job.
I liked to decompress between patients by listening to the car radio. Music was always a part of my day. After September 11, my stress level was suddenly off the charts and I needed to find some music that would help me reach, if not Nirvana, at least a place where I could relax and mentally calm myself for the next visit. I turned off the Springsteen and the Eagles. I deleted the "oldies" and I tuned out the jazz. This music just revved me up and added to my angst.
Initially, like most other New Yorkers and probably most other Americans, I listened to the news, in an effort to make sense of what had happened. After awhile, I began to recognize that listening to the endless talk about, not only September 11th but all things political, was, in a word, MAKING ME CRAZY. (Alright, in three words)
One day I turned my dial to a classical station and as soon as I did, I felt myself take a deep breath and my whole body relax. I was hooked. Classical music has become my "go-to" choice most of the time whether I'm in the car or listening at home. I especially love classical guitar and most works that feature a piano or cello. Give me Mozart, give me Chopin, give me Beethoven. Not that I really know or care who or what I'm listening to, usually I don't. I have also discovered that there are many recordings of chant music , recorded in great Benedictine cathedrals which can soothe the agitated soul. In a similar vein, there are numerous recordings of meditative gongs, bells, flutes based on Eastern contempletive listening.
A word of caution about some music designed specifically for meditation. Unlike classical music, it is not suitable for listening to while driving a car. The Admiral and I once visited the Southwest and during the trip we purchased a CD of music based on the drumming of Native Indigenous People from the Southwest. We were driving through the desert and decided to put it on the CD player in the car. After about 15 minutes, I was beginning to get drowsy and as is my custom, I said to my husband," Are you awake?" I need reassurance that he isn't sleepy before I succumb. He said,"Actually, I am very sleepy and I was thinking of pulling over." We both felt a strong hypnotic effect from the drumming. We pulled off the road and took a rather long nap. We decided to save the drumming CD for a quiet evening at home.
There are many genres of music and not every type of music is relaxing to everyone. Jazz relaxes my husband but makes me feel like I'm being tortured. I guess one man's music is another man's noise!
Here is one video of music I love and find very relaxing. Click on the video, then click again on 'Watch on You Tube' That should take you there.. Relax and enjoy!
I wanted to embed several examples of the music I find relaxing, but I was unable to do that. I'll post some more another day.
" Laughter and tears are both responses to frustration and exhaustion. I myself prefer to laugh, since there is less cleaning up to do afterward." Kurt Vonnegut
No doubt about it, laughing out loud does a body good! It lowers blood pressure, increases oxygenation to the body and just plain makes me feel good. Humor is one of my favorite ways of de-stressing. Sometimes I can see the humor in my situation, sometimes not. I make it a point to find at least one humorous episode or happening in my day. When all else fails, I turn to some old favorites to cheer me up. The Muppet Show was always a favorite in our house. It was on television during the years when my children were young. It was probably the most sophisticated TV show ever developed for a young audience. The children loved it, and so did we. Here's a favorite clip, guaranteed to grab a belly laugh or two. Enjoy the The Swedish Chef
Today's take-away - Isn't the internet great? I can pull up just about ANYTHING in two seconds, even a belly laugh.
