Don't Sweat the Little Things 009 - Count to 10
I thought about what content to put out for my first post back, and the more I thought about it, the more the idea of showing off my city of La Crosse came into my head first. The more I thought, the more intricate my ideas of how I could do that came to light. I thought I could maybe put together another thread of posts all with different aspects of La Crosse that made me fall in love with the city in the first place. La Crosse has it all if I'm going to be honest with you guys. The marsh, bluffs, views, Mississippi River, beaches, city life, bars, etc.
I think I'm going to take some time with those posts, because I do genuinely want those to be quality posts where I can show off my city to you all.
Instead I'm going to continue my other series of posts Don't Sweat the Little Things, that I hope some of you enjoy/get something from :)
When I was very little my father once in a while would count out loud to ten when he was angry with my sister and me. It was a strategy he, and many other parents, used to cool down before deciding what to do next. And in my opinion, a strategy that should be used by more.
I've improved this strategy by incorporating the use of the breath. All you have to do is this: When you feel yourself getting angry, take a long, deep inhalation, and as you do, say the number one to yourself. Then, relax your entire body as you breathe out. Repeat the same process with the number two, all the way through at least ten (if you're really, continue to twenty-five). What you are doing here is clearing your mind with a mini version of a meditation exercise. The combination of counting and breathing is so relaxing that it's impossible to remain angry once you are finished (go ahead and try it if you don't believe me). The increased oxygen in your lungs and the time gap between the moment you became angry and the time you finish the exercise enables you to increase your perspective.
The exercise is equally effective in working with stress or frustration. Whenever you feel a little off, give it a try.
The truth is, this exercise is a wonderful way to spend a minute or two whether or not you're angry. I've incorporated this strategy into my daily life simply because it's relaxing and I enjoy it. Often, it helps me to keep from getting angry in the first place.
-As Always,
Stay classy steemians