Ways to Relax – What is your style??
Recently, a dear of friend of mine, who conducts corporate training sessions on "Happiness at work", Stress Management, Conflict Resolution" etc called me to find out how i was. "Long time, not even a text message from you"? He asked. "Been too busy, I suppose", I blurted out. "Listen, he said, Do me a favour? I have an assignment for you and I need the information real quick. The assignment was to find out from about 100 people how they relaxed and the deadline was “Yesterday”. Soon, I started ringing up my friends, relatives and even acquaintances. Some of them were surprised, but when I said it was for a cause, they joined enthusiastically. First was my friend “Micheal, who said ”Me, I have a set of photos, mainly of my family and child and Mount Mary which are very close to my heart. Whenever I am tense or worked up, I take out this small album, which I always carry and spend around 5 minutes reminiscing. I definitely feel better”:. “That’s nice n simple” I thought. The next friend said “You know, I used to get flustered very easily earlier”. Now a days, When I get upset about something in the office, I take a deep breath, go to the wash room, wash my face and freshen my lipstick.” I feel better”. The answers ranged from punching a boxing bag , listening to music, go for a long walk , gymming, read a romantic novel, listen to old hindi songs, give in to craving and eat a large pastry, singing, playing a musical instrument, cooking a complicated dish, like Puran Poli, Call up an old friend and talk for some time, cuddling a baby – the positive vibes are instant” – I was told. My niece, a vivacious teen said- “ I cry my heart out” – But I do feel better”. My nephew, not to be left out, said “ When I am upset about bad marks, I go and play for a while with my friends – after that I don’t feel so bad. The list was endless, Surprisingly , most of them had their own way to unwind - surfing net to interacting in social networking sites ,listening to soulful bhajans etc.
Surprised that a simple conversation could bring up so many ideas, I rushed to my friend to give him my feedback. I said “ “I managed around twenty five”. “WOW, That’s great, ”which one is your style”? “Oh I replied, “They all seem so simple and easy and the next time I am worked up for some reason, I am going to try atleast some of these, I am sure they will work out for me too”. He smiled “Now that the cat is out of the bag, let me confess Dear, but that was precisely why I made you talk to your dear and near ones”. These days, you are so stressed out that you have even forgotten to smile” That was for you”. I sat there stunned and until realization dawned on me that the entire exercise was for my benefit. “ Very practical training indeed!! – Thanks, I do appreciate it – I admitted with a sheepish smile , albeit grudgingly”.
