Take Five

By Shelley Stockwell-Nicholas, PhD - IHF President, Author, Artist and More

Spread thin? To tired to begin? Intentional rest makes you your best.

Learn from your cat… the master of the catnap. They snooze and then bingo-bango up they jump to go about their cat business… It’s the same with you. A quick catnap renews and restores better than a high-test frappuccino and with less calories.

With Ms. Whiskers as your role model, here are five nifty ways to “take five” to revitalize so you easily pounce on what needs to be done.

1. Commit to a TIME OUT.

Set your timer for five minutes… then turn on soothing music, look at a peaceful image, stretch and or put a trusty back scratcher to good use.

2. Close your Eyes.

Let thoughts arise. This gives more than 50 percent of your brain a respite from processing external visual information.

3. Breathe. Inspiration– in… relaxation– out… Focused breath gives your mind a rest. Some 20 percent of your oxygen intake fuels your brain. Think of a balloon and place a hand on your belly. “Breathe in slowly and imagine inflating your favorite color balloon inside your abdomen and bringing swell energy right up to your head. Breathe out slowly, and the balloon deflates as you clear your mind.”

4. Humm. One hummed rendition of “happy birthday to me” will leave you purring like a kitten and literally transforms your biochemistry into relaxation mode. That’s because it activates your vegal nerve and soothes the fight flight response.

5. Daydream. Allow your mind to wonder and wander. Neuroscience researchers say this actually ups your creative potential. So, keep a pen and notepad nearby to doodle or jot down inspiration. Or daydream with your hands on your keyboard to capture your brilliance.

Now, come back refreshed and revitalized and as you rev-up be sure to pet the kitty.

Dr. Shelley is teaching self-hypnosis to first responders, and taking a group to Sedona April 5-8 for a certification class in

Past Life Regression Journeys.

Dr. Shelley can be reached at: 310 541-4844.

Local Personality, Shelley Stockwell-Nicholas, PhD is a hypnotherapist, mindfulness and NLP trainer, artist and the author of 25 books. She certifies practitioners through the International Hypnosis Federation. You can call her at 310 541-4844.

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