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If we take this view then we are essentially justifying a position of not experimenting with another way of being. By telling ourselves that we can't chill out because we naturally have busy minds simply reinforcesÌýthe idea that you can't. But we all have busy minds, and that is OK, but we can still learn to relax. Maybe start by saying to yourself -ÌýÌý"I can feel relaxed at times, my body knows how to be calm and I can practice this state of being". Then we create opportunities for ourselves - little freedoms to deviate from the expected.Ìý

Sometimes it is easier to relax than at other times. Accept the variance, note the times when it is a bit easier or a bit harder. It is important to practise observing without judgement.ÌýAs above, if you say to yourself it isn't working then you reinforce the idea that it can't in the future. So, be open to possibilities, that you can and have relaxed at times.

If you can't afford the time to relax occasionally, then you are probably not doing well in other aspects of your life. Relaxing takes many forms but it is important to find the things that relax you so that you can revive your body and mind. This in turn allows you to make better decisions andÌýbe more effective. Someone who has practiced relaxing is calmer, more receptive to others and in turn other people like to hang around you.Ìý

Meditation is being researched more and more to determine its effects onÌýhealth and wellbeing and the research is certainly persuasive. Learn more about the .

• View reviews of , and
• Undertake a course on
• Find a to join
• See when the free university meditation classes are run
• Look at the options on the site
• Visit
• (youtube)

You can also view some meditation videos below to get a taster.

I don't think many of us need to be convinced about the benefits of using music for ourÌýwellbeing. Afterall there is an established music therapy field which operates in many countries around the world. When you wish to change your mood consider initially matching the music to your mood and then start shifting the quality of the music towards a more uplifting style for you. Note that individual preference plays a huge role here and what seems restful for one person will be anxiety producing for another!

Just listening to music has benefits as referenced in this Ìý²¹°ù³Ù¾±³¦±ô±ð.Ìý also provides some particular benefits as the creative elements can be very uplifting for mood.

Here are some online lessons to get you started.

• Ìý

Yoga is actually an umbrella term that refers to multiple components which make up the practice of yoga.ÌýWhat most people think of as yoga is actually the component to train the body to move better (the Asanas), but there is a lot more to yoga for those who want to dig a little deeper. Nevertheless, learning some of the 100s of asanas (postures) is a great way to start, and many people feel a great deal of benefit, both in their body and in their mind, from practicing the asanas and learning some basic pranayama (breathing component). Learn more about the .

So consider joining a class or look at the many online options - some of them remarkablyÌýgood - that will get your started or advance your practice. There are also quite a few yoga apps.

• Ìý
• Find a Ìý
• Review of
• Review of
• Adelaide Uni - ÌýatÌýThe Fitness Hub

Feldenkrais is a focus on very considered and . The benefits of Feldenkrais are purported to be better balance andÌýposture, less pain and an improved sense of wellbeing. Feldenkrais classes are a great way of recovering from an injury and re-training areas of the body to work more efficiently. It is not uncommon for sports people and performers to incorporate Feldenkrais into their training regime. These days quite a few physiotherapists do additional training in Feldenkrais so they can better support their clients.

Learn more about the .

• Find a
• Find

Martial Arts is actually a very broad collection of styles of movement - many originally developed as a controlled means of combat, but some also for their meditative and focused movement (e.g. Tai Chi and Chi Gong). Learn more about the different .Ìý

These controlled and considered practices can produce , and .

To find some classes or explore online classes near you, identify the you are interested in and do a bit of a web search.

Here are some online options to get you started.

In recent years the benefits of dance have come under and the evidence is overwhelmingly positive. It is speculated that dancing provides a double whammy in terms of the benefits, in that music stimulates reward centres in the brain and the dancing movements stimulate sensory and motor circuits. The outcomesÌýare the creation of new neural connections,Ìýsignificantly improved memory, spatial recognition and executive function.Ìý

To get started check out the following sites:

• Ìý

Or get inspired by the videos below.

Explore online options below.

Dance classes

• Ìý- youtube link

Online dance events

• ÌýorÌýÌý- search the site using 'online dance party'
• Ìý

Getting back to nature can:

• Sharpen your mind
• Improve your problem solving
• Reduces stress and improveÌýwellbeing -Ìýwith showing it can lift mood disorders
• TuneÌýyou to your environment
• Improve relationships and communication
• ReduceÌý
• Improve your

Here are some ideas about getting back into nature

• Read a book about it -

If nature is not that accessible to you at the moment consider these options:

• Stargazing or cloud watching
• Start a garden. If you’re short on space, try an indoor plant. Bringing the outdoors indoors can be an instant mood booster
• If you can, spend some time near a body of water
• Ìý- has a whole range of live camera options of animals and landscapes
• At home Ìý- USA based
• Create a