tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1704170106558126102.post8756877715481153325..comments2024-03-15T04:01:53.036-04:00Comments on Cranky Fitness: Relaxation: Will Someone Please Put A Gun to My Head?Crabby McSlackerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12108791388350253344noreply@blogger.comBlogger27125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1704170106558126102.post-87054436559619445552013-09-28T02:45:43.369-04:002013-09-28T02:45:43.369-04:00Beautiful piece! I often talk to people about the ...Beautiful piece! I often talk to people about the role of stress and weight gain due to increased levels of Cortisol, though usually it gets overlooked on a lot of fitness blogs, really good to see you have included it here! Plus that you have recommended meditation and all its holistic benefits as a way to improve health and achieve a good healthy body.<br /><br />In terms of meditation types to help people, it is great that you mention about books, for many using guided meditations is far easier. The contrast being between the stress of remembering what to do when, worrying about how long is enough etc, when learning from a book. Whereas with guided mp3 tracks it is possible to just let the relaxation flow from the first moment, as all a person needs to do is listen and follow.<br /><br />For those who are looking for an easy to access set of resources in terms of guided meditation and relaxation mp3 check out meditationmp3.net, where perhaps the most popular, simplest and easiest to relax with track (according to most people) is the Vipassana Meditation. It holds the roots of Mindfulness meditation and is a really gentle and serene way to meditate, great for lowering Stress and Cortisol levels that will have you on the way to a healthy body fast.<br /><br />Thanks again for the great post above!<br /><br />Namaste<br /><br />Stephen FrostStephen Frosthttp://meditationmp3.netnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1704170106558126102.post-63477352327388107752010-02-16T01:31:32.218-05:002010-02-16T01:31:32.218-05:00I find it really hard to meditate or do relaxation...I find it really hard to meditate or do relaxation techniques. I get all fidgety and stuff. But I have successfully done it a couple of times.... Definitely wonderful to just have time to sit back and relax and let my mind go blank.All Women Stalkerhttp://allwomenstalk.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1704170106558126102.post-56452648652469737832010-02-12T17:59:20.941-05:002010-02-12T17:59:20.941-05:00Seriously? The same way. I couldn't get myse...Seriously? The same way. I couldn't get myself to do yoga either until I found it had a direct correlation between doing it and being injury-free for running. So now I do it begrudgingly. Honestly, I zen out with TV. I know it not great, but I enjoy someone telling me a story, it helps me shut off my brain and just be entertained.Quixhttp://www.adjustedreality.com/blognoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1704170106558126102.post-69540531468343098882010-02-11T10:24:55.977-05:002010-02-11T10:24:55.977-05:00Try beating a hand drum to get into a trance state...Try beating a hand drum to get into a trance state, it works great! Just a steady beat does the trick. Annoys family and neighbors, though :D<br /><br />I can do basic meditation and just sit, be quiet, and relax. Can't say I've had a mystical experience except by falling into a trance. But that's always taken musical stimulation. Never been able to get there through just sitting and being quiet, or repeating a mantra.Lynnhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06190657501435007768noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1704170106558126102.post-76115114532198530112010-02-10T22:46:28.155-05:002010-02-10T22:46:28.155-05:00How funny you should post this on the week I start...How funny you should post this on the week I started listening to a meditation podcast before bed! <br /><br />I've always been a terrible sleeper and am prone to nightmares. But earlier this week I downloaded this podcast http://www.themeditationpodcast.com/episodes.html?ep=6<br /><br />and listened to it before bed. Woke up feeling much more refreshed than usual. Happened the second night too!<br /><br />Then, as a test (and, let's be honest, because I couldn't be bothered getting up to get my ipod), I didn't listen to it last night. And my sleep = not so good.<br /><br />We'll see how long the effects keep working - I might get used to the same podcast and lose the benefits - but so far, thumbs up from me.Jojomohttp://www.livelovehoop.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1704170106558126102.post-6186908121085209152010-02-10T21:39:28.257-05:002010-02-10T21:39:28.257-05:00for real, are we the same person? I spend all day...for real, are we the same person? I spend all day telling people how to be healthy and well, and I am waylaid by sinus infections because I won't let myself rest long enough to stay well. Thanks for the resources and tips!Healthy Heatherhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11343516605721256497noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1704170106558126102.post-6299357439856920442010-02-10T19:04:23.333-05:002010-02-10T19:04:23.333-05:00"So am I the only one who knows that relaxati..."So am I the only one who knows that relaxation exercises are good for me, yet can not seem to make myself do them?"<br /><br />BWHAHAHAHHAAHAHA.<br /><br />(No. No, you are not the only one ;)).<br /><br />Everyone tells me to meditate etc. For some reason, it just isn't that easy to get myself to do it! But I'm CERTAIN that stress is related to my insomnia issues, so I should really work on the relaxation stuff.Saganhttp://www.livingintherealworld.net/healthy/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1704170106558126102.post-24568015211004483302010-02-10T18:46:52.087-05:002010-02-10T18:46:52.087-05:00TV is not relaxation. It's boredom porn. (I ou...TV is not relaxation. It's boredom porn. (I ought to know). I read someone's comment about TV. tsk.<br /><br /><br /> I am still struggling daily with meditation and mindfulness (awareness) though I do not usually refer to these things as a struggle. I have heard that even monks who meditate will allow themselves to fall asleep if that has to happen. They do not judge themselves. Pema has some great CDs on meditation. I used to think I was not the meditation type but certain things happened in my life that have caused me to look deeper in that direction because all of the other methods for gathering sanity have not worked for me.Levihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07369763028982948026noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1704170106558126102.post-29969123397022804032010-02-10T17:51:21.310-05:002010-02-10T17:51:21.310-05:00At the end of my workouts, I have been spending so...At the end of my workouts, I have been spending some time in the sauna. The lights are dim, it is warm, and I just plug my ipod in and chill. I find it to be a great escape after doing Angry Elliptical.<br /><br />Cheers,<br />Missa<br />LosingEthelMissahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18308451995399806499noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1704170106558126102.post-8267522785412136022010-02-10T15:42:56.251-05:002010-02-10T15:42:56.251-05:00I practice Tai Chi. It's a wonderful form of ...I practice Tai Chi. It's a wonderful form of relaxation, chi circulation and meditation. I have to admit though, when something like work or relationships get stressful, the Tai Chi doesn't really do anything for me so I go to something else. The heavy bag :-)<br /><br />Rahim Samuel<br />Publisher, Wellnessbymanymeans.comRahim Samuelhttp://www.wellnessbymanymeans.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1704170106558126102.post-57067021456256802392010-02-10T14:03:40.231-05:002010-02-10T14:03:40.231-05:00I have just been posting about how I am having dif...I have just been posting about how I am having difficulties discovering ways to recharge my batteries. Maybe I will give this a try.266https://www.blogger.com/profile/16170707764904423302noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1704170106558126102.post-36001993224236533352010-02-10T13:59:01.975-05:002010-02-10T13:59:01.975-05:00I am not a meditation type person but I do what I ...I am not a meditation type person but I do what I call veg out. Whether it be watching some TV for laughs or sitting & having a cup of coffee & reading a mag or just sitting & people watching. I know that is not the true sense of the word but for now, it helps me.Jody - Fit at 52http://www.truth2beingfit.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1704170106558126102.post-9705803067347322312010-02-10T13:56:47.232-05:002010-02-10T13:56:47.232-05:00While I do make time for prayer, I often don't...While I do make time for prayer, I often don't find it very relaxing, as much of my praying involves yelling at God on behalf of friends and relatives.<br /><br />Then I have a hard time justifying more time being spent in just sitting and relaxing.messymimihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10649529601786689712noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1704170106558126102.post-73203559937534757822010-02-10T13:45:36.416-05:002010-02-10T13:45:36.416-05:00I practice any and all relaxation techniques while...I practice any and all relaxation techniques while I am trying to fall asleep. <br />Although I can completely relax on cue (thank you childbirth education) I can't stay that way very long. <br />I guess I prefer to be high strung.Heather Griffith Brewerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07640170791000157111noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1704170106558126102.post-90738969020985427132010-02-10T13:17:16.952-05:002010-02-10T13:17:16.952-05:00Where do I sign up to get Crabby to hypnotize me? ...Where do I sign up to get Crabby to hypnotize me? 'Cuz that sounds like a whole 'nother side of fun!<br /><br />I insist on at least 15 minutes of reading each night before bed. I've found it gives my brain the cue to stop.thinking. Then after I put the book down I reflect on those things that make my life wonderful. After that, a quick relaxation trick I learned in college and I'm off to sleep. But if I try to skip the reading? So much harder to purge the days thoughts/to-dos from my brain. And I don't sleep as well.bdaisshttp://prairietrails.wordpress.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1704170106558126102.post-90047483093104147032010-02-10T13:01:52.639-05:002010-02-10T13:01:52.639-05:00I have a terrible time trying to relax as well, bu...I have a terrible time trying to relax as well, but Ive been trying very hard lately to do take time out of my day to relax. It's definitely difficult at first, but it does get easier. I have found, though, that it's hard to balance everything in life - eating healthy, working out, doing chores, working, and, finally relaxing - and it seems that in order to relax, something else is overlooked.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15085561206921512444noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1704170106558126102.post-89687548796192255272010-02-10T13:01:07.015-05:002010-02-10T13:01:07.015-05:00I have to say that meditation has changed my life....I have to say that meditation has changed my life.<br />That said I would imagine in the realm of "real" meditators Ive not yet started to meditate.<br />(hmm. does that make sense? it does to me.)<br /><br />I begin each day with 5 minutes (up from one minute to start) of meditation and it really sets me up well for the craziness that can sometimes ensue after those 5 minutes are done.<br /><br />more than that?<br />group meditation?<br /><br />I dont think the best mantra in the WORLD could wrestle my monkey mind into submission.Mizhttp://www.mizfitonline.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1704170106558126102.post-83974291115558245322010-02-10T11:35:16.905-05:002010-02-10T11:35:16.905-05:00Yup...I make sure to not let anyone down at the ex...Yup...I make sure to not let anyone down at the expense of myself.<br />Then I wig out because I have too much to do.<br /><br />Like now.<br /><br />Heh. heh...Geosominhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15729167937433295927noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1704170106558126102.post-23583771153232284252010-02-10T11:29:11.619-05:002010-02-10T11:29:11.619-05:00Yup.. I'm one of those that has to be doing so...Yup.. I'm one of those that has to be doing something while relaxing. It's either reading, watching TV or I might as well be sleeping. This walking meditation sounds right for me. I suppose I can't take photos when I do it though.. sigh! Might not work after all. ;)Hilaryhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12787493532006658679noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1704170106558126102.post-21542025278273498702010-02-10T11:12:33.383-05:002010-02-10T11:12:33.383-05:00I'm one big ball of stress most of the time, b...I'm one big ball of stress most of the time, but I'm horrible at relaxing. I just can't seem to master the whole "clear your mind" thing. I just end up fixating on what's stressing me out. The best I can do: Read a book and get lost in that world.Tracey @ I'm Not Superhumanhttp://www.notsuperhuman.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1704170106558126102.post-68801263344083043822010-02-10T11:10:40.003-05:002010-02-10T11:10:40.003-05:00Mantras and visualization don't tend to work f...Mantras and visualization don't tend to work for me.<br /><br />Exercising helps tremendously.<br /><br />I learned to swim as an adult and I wasn't able to float until I took everyone's advice to, well, relax. I concentrated on being relaxed and voilà.<br /><br />I have been to an acupuncturist which was extremely relaxing and, every now and then, I'll get a massage which is all kinds of relaxing.<br /><br />Good luck with the relaxing thing...'Dreahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18445124443770488433noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1704170106558126102.post-76784335956909162372010-02-10T10:58:17.916-05:002010-02-10T10:58:17.916-05:00Relaxation seems to be one of my innate talents.
...Relaxation seems to be one of my innate talents. <br /><br />Watching...snow...fall. Not.worrying.about.income.<br />comes easily to me.<br /><br />Mary Anne in Kentucky<br /><br />"slusl": they misspelled it, but "slush, frozen" is what's keeping me from worksolarityhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03606487180967915130noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1704170106558126102.post-64669776352255023362010-02-10T10:57:26.091-05:002010-02-10T10:57:26.091-05:00Seems to me one of the problems with all these tec...Seems to me one of the problems with all these techniques is that if you feel you have to follow them exactly, they bring on their own stress. At least that's how it feels to me. I once knew a woman who tried meditation - and was always in trouble 'cause it made her fall aslepp. Somehow, she was supposed to tread that fine line between utter peace and snoring. <br /><br /> Well. Doesn't work for me, either. But I do love to sit in a hot bath & relax, and I don't believe that bringing a book along is cheating. It won't be a book that requires a lot of thought. On a tough day, it'll probably be a light book that I've already read. I find that my free-form daydreams are soon flowing and the book is forgotten (but with a little luck, not dropped in the water). I also find that familiar & loved music in the background can free my mind from its stress issues. I guess for me, the familiar book or music acts sort of as the mantras might. They loosen things up & help me let go of the stresss of the moment.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1704170106558126102.post-36979547053663518392010-02-10T10:45:49.230-05:002010-02-10T10:45:49.230-05:00Thanks for that post and tips. I get stressed out ...Thanks for that post and tips. I get stressed out when I try to relax because I cannot relax. How crazy is that?Ewahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17005438284707424779noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1704170106558126102.post-80624382638116678342010-02-10T10:45:18.704-05:002010-02-10T10:45:18.704-05:00While I think it would be GREAT to be able to call...While I think it would be GREAT to be able to call upon some kind of calming ability like you say in #3, I doubt I'll get there.<br /><br />Spending me-on-me time makes me twitchy. Can I bring a book? ;-)KathyRhttp://olderbetter.wordpress.com/noreply@blogger.com