relax

Not Productive? That’s Okay!

It’s okay not to be productive, at least some of the time. I think in this day and age where we assume it’s so easy to be productive and it’s so easy for everyone to get in touch with us to tell us how they would like us to be productive, it’s easy to get caught up and feel like you can never just relax. I know. The Type-A personality inside me has a very hard time relaxing.

But I’ve been working to get better at relaxing. Funny that I even make relaxing work. So I’m writing this blog for you and me. It’s okay. It’s really okay to just take a few moments, even an hour, even a day and just relax.

Yesterday I saw a calendar with a quote: “Time you enjoy wasting is not wasted time.” I thought about it and realized that I have to let myself enjoy my wasted time more. I think I should have made that part of my challenge to get in the best shape of my life this year.

Maybe today is a good day to go on strike against Productivity.

Personal Euphoria

Not Productive? That’s Okay!Maggie Downie2017-09-12T19:31:42-04:00

Gas in Class

Okay—it doesn’t matter how you say it: fart, pass gas, or pet (as my Grandma calls it), it’s potentially going to happen in a pilates class. Sometimes on exercises like Rolling-Like-A-Ball it’s an inevitability eventually.

But not to fret. You are not the only one who has done it, and quite honestly, if you keep quiet, usually no else can pinpoint exactly who did it. So, while I know it can be embarrassing, try to cut yourself some slack if and when it ever happens to you. No one is going to remember in about ten minutes—pilates keeps you too busy.

It is something to stop and ponder for a minutes because while farting during a pilates class could mean that you had beans and rice before class (always a mistake, by the way), it could also mean that instead of gently pulling your belly button towards your spine and pulling up and in on your pelvic floor muscles, you could just be attempting to clench everything—attempting to get more control, but actually getting less as revealed by the escape of some unexpected wind. Next time it happens, after the wave of embarrassment happens, just try to relax […]

Gas in ClassMaggie Downie2017-09-12T19:31:55-04:00

Self Massage

Self Massage is cheap and requires no special equipment. It’s a good way to help you distress at the end of the day.

Try some techniques the Maya Clinic Health Letter listed:

Eye Palms: Rub hands together and cover eyes with warm palms. Hold for 30 seconds.

Rub Ears: Use thumb and index finger on each hand to gently rub your outer ears.

Shoulder Rub: Using your right hand rub the left side of your neck, shoulder and upper back. Repeat on the other side.

Self MassageMaggie Downie2017-09-12T19:32:30-04:00

Treat Yourself

I know the economy isn’t good but that doesn’t mean you can’t find time to do the things you enjoy, especially if they make you feel good. Maybe you love to swim but can’t afford a pool or wouldn’t want to have to clean a pool. Maybe you don’t want to pay for a massage or feel strange about a stranger rubbing you.

Consider exchanging back rubs with a friend or spouse. Go to a beach or a gym for the day that has a pool or hot tub or sauna. It can be an affordable way to have a pool without having to maintain it.

Think creatively to get the things you want. And remember, every once in a while it’s okay, and probably good, to splurge on what will make you feel good or give you a little sanity.

Treat YourselfMaggie Downie2014-08-04T18:06:50-04:00