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[T770]The Top 10 Charts

by Konstantin Koss, Kon

1. Learn to breathe.

Breathing comes unconsciously, which sometimes encourages us to take it for granted. Several times a day, when you feel stress coming on or you feel tired and unenthusiastic, do a few deep breathing exercises. Here's how:

Sit or stand with your spine straight and stretched slightly. Then slowly take a breath at a slow count of 3 and exhale just as slowly. Allow your lungs to expand as you take in the air and empty it as you breathe out. If it helps to close your eyes, then do so. Fresh oxygen helps enliven your blood and the slow breathing encourages you to sit or stand still for a moment.

2. Stretch.

Another way you can relax is by slow stretching. Whether you're standing or seated, make sure to keep your spine straight and allow your arms to dangle loosely at your side. Feet should be flat on the floor and relaxed.

Slowly raise your arms high, as if you're reaching for the ceiling and slowly raise yourself on the ball of your feet. Follow the movement of your hands with your eyes so that your head can tilt back. Hold this position for a count of 10 and then slowly bring down your arms.

3. Increase your physical activities.

Or at least start one if you haven't got any exercise regimen. Contrary to what other people think, exercising actually helps you relax afterwards. It cleanses your body of toxins by inducing sweat, increases your blood flow and the flow of oxygen to the brain and it works up your muscles.

Start slowly and gradually build up until you are able to maintain a regular schedule.

4. Watch your diet.

What you eat affects your mood. Another great way to relax is to maintain a diet that is rich in nutrients, such as antioxidants, folate and omega-3 fatty acids. Eat more fruits and vegetables and when you're thirsty, grab a bottle of water and keep away from sodas and flavored drinks.

5. Get enough sound sleep.

Sleep is about quality and not just quantity but in times of stress, it's best to get as much sleep as you can. About 6 to 8 hours should get you the rest you need.

Getting enough sleep is an excellent way to relax. It allows your body to regroup and recover and it eases your mind of other concerns.

6. Use music.

If music works for you, use it. Stick to soft tunes and don't whip out that Metallica CD just yet. Rock music tends to use heavy bass lines, hard percussions and strong lyrics. If you want to relax, turn to soft and easy listening and save those faster tunes for some other time.

7. Turn away from the modern trappings of your life.

Often, some of the most relaxing things are those that are the most basic. Once a week at least or more often, turn off the TV. Unplug it and keep the remote outside of your reach. Turn off the computer as well.

These two are common sources of distractions. Due to the rapidly changing images and the overflow of information, they can sometimes overload the mind and hinder relaxation. Keep things simple and don't sweat the small, insignificant stuff.

8. Have time to yourself.

A good way to relax is to set aside time for some peace and quiet. What better way to do this than to schedule short vacations for yourself? You don't have to pack your bags or even leave the house - simply close the door, find a nice, quiet place to sit and enjoy your own company.

9. Try yoga or meditation.

Yoga and meditation helps you attain a good body and mind connection. As a result, you're more likely to feel relaxed and refreshed. Try simple yoga steps or learn to meditate a few minutes each day. Do these regularly and you'll find that it will get easier to relax and manage stress later on.

10. Laugh.

Find your sense of humor again. Be with family and friends you can be yourself with. Laughter is one of the best ways to relax and it doesn't have to cost a thing. It also helps you build connections with people in your life who really matter.

Copyright (c) 2008 Konstantin Koss

There's a television ad with the tagline "Your dreams miss you." That line really caught my attention since one of my passions is to connect people to their dreams and up-level their lives. I began to wonder about my own dreams, goals and aspirations. Had I visited them lately? Were they missing me?

What about you? Are your dreams missing you? If so, here are the Top 10 Ways to Reconnect with Your Dreams.

1. Find your dreams ? If your dreams are missing you, take 3-5 minutes to pause right now and ponder these questions:
a. What would I do if I knew I couldn't fail?
b. What would I do differently with my life if money weren't an issue?
c. What would you have or experience that would bring you more joy?

2. Make a list of your dreams ? It is said that only 3% of adults actually take the time to write down their goals and dreams. As you are contemplating the questions above, write down whatever comes up. Write as many dreams, wishes and goals as you'd like. Just make a list.

3. Remove the limits and quiet the "yeah, but's" ? Once you even begin to consider connecting to your dream, the "yeah, but?" inner critic can rear its ugly head with, "Who do you think you are, to want ?" Whether it's a material possession, like a luxury car, or a raise or promotion, or to follow your dream of becoming an artist, that question can halt and haunt and paralyze the dreamer. Do your best to silence your inner critic. You can say, "Thank you for sharing, I'm just playing" to get it to quiet down. For now, just play. Have fun with this process and dream big dreams!

4. Sit with your list for a few days ? Don't commit to any particular dream just yet. Look at your list every day for as long as a week or two. Add to it, revise it, create new lists and delete dreams that no longer serve you. I keep a 3x5 note pad with me at all times. If I have a delayed appointment or extra time on my hands, I pull out my list and see if there's anything I've missed. Revisiting your list regularly will help you decide what really matters to you and what you might like to focus on.

5. Choose one or two dreams ? Look for dreams on your list that seem to jump off the page or excite you. Your dreams need to be big enough and inspiring enough for you to fight for them and give them the attention they deserve. Make sure you really, really, really want each dream. If you don't or if it's too small, you won't work for it.

6. Take a step ? Before you even think about making an action plan, which can be quite a daunting task, simply ask yourself what one step you could take today to live your dream. If you want a new car, could you request a brochure at the dealership? If you want a house, can you schedule a house-hunting day? Just take one step, that's all.

7. Notice how the step feels ? It's important to evaluate along the way to your dream how you are feeling and whether this dream is something you truly want. Be willing to change and try new ways of doing things to see if this dream will really bring you joy. If it doesn't, evaluate, adjust and take a new step.

8. Create an action plan ? Now that you've taken a couple of steps, a direction may have unfolded. Take the time to really look at your dream and create a plan on how to get from where you are to where you want to go. Write down the steps, with a timeline, and continue to move in the direction of your dreams.

9. Gather your tools ? After you have written down your plan, you will want to evaluate what you need to accomplish your dream. Do you need equipment, training, support or funds? Write down everything you need to accomplish your dream and then add in those details to your action plan.

10. Get help ? If you've struggled in the past with manifesting or even believing in your dreams, see what a difference support can make. Professional athletes and musicians got where they are with coaching and guidance. Personally, I have several coaches, and I also belong to peer communities where I can ask questions, be accountable, get and give support. Begin to create a network of people and communities who will support you and your dream, and you'll get there faster.

If your dreams are missing you, now is the perfect time to reconnect and breathe new life into them. You deserve for all of your dreams to come true. Believe it, take action and make it happen.

Copyright ? 2007 Kamin Bell

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Both Konstantin Koss & Kamin Bell are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.

Konstantin Koss has sinced written about articles on various topics from Sauna, Travel and Leisure and Stress Management. More information about the various can be found at the Real Relaxation blog by Konstantin Koss.Konstantin Koss has worked as an aer. Konstantin Koss's top article generates over 8100 views. to your Favourites.

Kamin Bell has sinced written about articles on various topics from Supplements, Fitness and self improvement and motivation. WANT TO REPRINT THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR EZINE OR WEBSITE? You may, as long as it remains intact and you include this complete statement with it: Kamin Bell, MS, MA, CTL, is passionate about teaching people how to live their dreams and attract more abundance. Kamin Bell's top article generates over 6600 views. to your Favourites.