Well, I really need to relax now, because I posted this topic and it disappeared from the planet, so now I need to "breath deep" and post it again.

When I sit at my keyboard all day long, I often don't realize how tense my body gets. I try to take a few minutes each day and follow these steps. (Normally with my eyes closed, but you won't be able to follow along now will you?)

First, feel your face. Don't touch it, just sense it. Sense your eyebrows - are they raised? Lower them and allow them to relax. Sense your mouth - are your lips pursed and tight? Loosen and relax them. Is your jaw tight and your teeth clenched. Let them go slack and drop down. Now take a deep breath.

Next, feel your shoulders. Are they raised up high and tight? Allow them to drop and hang loose, feel the tension slipping away. How about your back? Is it hunched? Lean back in your chair and relax. Now take a deep breath.

Now, starting at the top of your arms and moving all the way down to your hands, allow your muscles to relax. Feel the warmth as you move down your arms, consciously allowing each muscle to relax as you go. Feel your wrists go slack. Take a minute to sense each and every finger. Feel your pinkie, let it relax, feel the warmth....then move on to your next finger and your next on both hands. Then take a deep breath.

Now move back up to your face; is it still relaxed? Gently drop your head down on to your chest, and slowly roll it to the left, then back, to the right, and then back to your chest. Let it hang there and relax for a minute or so. Then take a deep breath.

How do you feel? I know it helps me, and wondered if it might help any of you - let me know... If I can't sleep at night, I find this really helps me to relax and drift away. I rarely get to my feet before I fall asleep.
Kathy