Reflections of my Wellbeing--and Some More Relaxing!

Hello everyone!

For some reason, trying to reflect on myself and where I would rate myself in the categories of physical wellbeing, spiritual wellbeing, and psychological wellbeing seems so difficult for me; I honestly have never had deep thoughts about these aspects in my life before.  With that said, I know it is important for me to focus on this and figure out where I am in each aspect; knowing where I stand can help me work on myself and eventually become happier, healthier, and enjoy life more than I already do!

I would rate my physical wellbeing around a 7.  I give it this score because I try to be as physically active as possible so I will stay fit and happy with my body; there are areas that I feel need a lot more work (who doesn't feel that way?), but eventually I will get to where I want to be.  A goal I could work towards in this aspect is training for some type of competition, such as a half marathon, or weight lifting; the half marathon seems more my style though...haha!  To get moving towards this goal, I can find a training program and follow it so I will be prepared for the race when the time comes. 

I rate my spiritual wellbeing around a 5 or 6.  I am slowly learning more about God and what He has done for not only me, but for everyone else!  I attend a Women's Bible study once a week and go to Church every Sunday to help my spiritual self grow to its fullest potential.  A goal here would be to continue going to Bible Study every week; even when we move to Turkey.  I can actively search for a Bible group to attend there even before we move.

I rate my psychological wellbeing at a 4.  I do not work on this aspect of my life very often; I sometimes journal, but probably not as often as I should.  A goal here would be to journal everyday so that I can look back at where I have been and how much I have accomplished in my life when I grow old and gray; getting a journal and figuring out a good time and place to write would be one of the first activities I can do to help reach this goal. 

The relaxation exercise this week was definitely relaxing; however, I felt a bit frustrated as well.  It was extremely hard for me to focus on it and all the colors and what the represented.  My mind kept going to and from my daughter and husband (they had a daddy-daughter date so I could spend some much needed time by myself...YAY!!!).  During the exercise, I was mainly able to focus on my deep breathing and the different phrases the narrator wanted me to focus on such as "I am grounded," "I am loved," and "my life has a meaningful purpose." Although I couldn't concentrate on the entire exercise, what I was able to focus on helped me relax and it felt wonderful!! 

Y'all have a relaxing and peaceful day!

-Natasja

Relaxation Exercise!

Hello everyone!

If this is your first time on my blog, welcome!  I hope this blog helps you in some sort of way and that you find it at least a little interesting!  If you are a returning "visitor," welcome back!  This is my first time blogging (besides my initial "practice" blog) and so far, I like it.  As most of you know, I had to set this blog up for a "Creating Wellness" class, so most of my blogs will actually be a weekly homework assignment; however, I may input little extra blogs every now-and-then.  I truly hope you enjoy it!

Well, here is my very first assignment!  For this blog, I had to listen to a relaxation track and then write about my experience.  Wow!  What a way to begin the day!  I put on the track, and then, since I wanted to get as comfortable as possible, I laid down on the floor.  The narrator had me take off my watch, close my eyes, and take a deep breath; on the exhale he told me to "relax."  I did this a couple more times and all of a sudden, I had this overwhelming sensation of relaxation.  My body just sunk into the floor.  I was then told that I would be using my mind to move the blood that was in my abdomen to other parts of my body; really?  Can this actually work?  Can I really "tell" my blood to go elsewhere?  Well, turns out, I can!  The soothing sound of the narrator told me to focus on sending the blood circulation to my shoulders, arms and hands.  Doing so, I noticed my arms and hands became extremely heavy; he then said that this would happen.  I must have done something right!  We stayed like this for a while, focusing on breathing and my arms; I actually noticed that while the blood was in my arms, my breathing was a little shallower. 

Eventually, he told me to bring the blood back to my abdomen.  This seemed a little harder for me, but I was finally able to accomplish this task.  My breathing was, once again, deeper, and my arms were lighter; he said this would happen!  I was (and still am) relaxed!  When I was told to become more aware of my surroundings, I opened my eyes a little and just laid there, trying to focus on not getting up to fast and becoming dizzy.  I was eventually able to get up and go to my computer to write about this experience; I have to admit, it was a really nice, relaxing, and great way to start the day! 

I truly hope y'all have a great day; and remember to always give yourself a little bit of time everyday to lie/sit comfortably and just relax! 

-Natasja

First Blog!

Since I have never "blogged" before, I thought I needed a little practice.  Now that I know how to post, all I I need to do is figure out how to "follow" my classmates and reply to them :-)

-Natasja