What feelings do you associate with relaxation?
When you think about taking time for yourself, do you feel guilty? Are you one of those people who believe that completing your busy to-do list is more important than your well-being? Do you put everyone else first no matter how tired and depleted you are? If you feel this way, you are not alone. Most of us were taught early on that it’s selfish to put our well-being first. We may have heard (and might believe) that only lazy or unmotivated people take time to relax and replenish themselves regularly. We may even think that feeling stressed is normal and that there is no other way to feel.
While many of us have learned that pushing ourselves beyond our limits damages our physical and mental health, work performance, relationships, and overall satisfaction with life, we still believe that we do NOT have time to relax and replenish.
However, the good news is that we can develop the ability to lower our stress levels and improve our health without taking a lot of time out of our day. Research shows that people who incorporate regular practices as short as 3-5 minutes into their routine, have a higher tolerance for stressful events without the negative side effects. They are also more productive, have stronger relationships, and enjoy life more.
We at Levelhead have developed hundreds of exercises that are practical and bite-sized, averaging just 3-5 minutes each. They can be easily integrated into your day – adding little or no extra time to an already busy schedule. You don’t have to close your eyes, get to a reclining position, or set aside 20 to 30 minutes to experience them.
Discover the app to power up positivity in just 3-5 minutes a day. READ MORE
How often and how long do I need to practice?
This is definitely one of the most frequent questions we get asked: “How often and how long should I practice?”
While there is not one right answer, here are a few suggestions.
Just like with physical exercise, consistency is the key to seeing benefits. And that’s why we recommend you build your skill with DAILY practice.
Regarding how long to practice, Levelhead for Real Life exercises average just 3-5 minutes each and can be easily integrated into your day. They’re built for busy people. You can do them while walking, eating, or commuting. Just a few minutes is all you need.
Many people indicate that over time, they can practice more than once a day. They utilize their favorite exercises before an important meeting or presentation, switching between tasks, or simply when they want to focus or listen better.
What’s the best time to practice?
The best time to practice is…well, anytime, of course! But, seriously, this is truly based on an individual preference.
Many people find that starting their day with a brief practice sets the tone for the day. Other options include practicing at lunch, while commuting, or when you are transitioning from one task to another. And others find that practicing before bedtime is a great way to ensure a good night’s sleep.
The key is to just practice. A helpful tip is to set a reminder in your calendar or daily planner to help you remember to practice.
What activities lend themselves to practice?
The skills that are taught through the Levelhead for Real Life program have so many applications. And that’s why we’ve built practical, real-life exercises that can be done with just about any activity. We’re not like other meditation and mindfulness apps that require lots of time to step away – our exercises have been designed to help you thrive while “doing life”.
It’s not just for stressed-out people (although we help with that a lot). It’s for anyone. If you’re a human being, we’ve got you covered.
Breathing exercises can help as you transition between tasks, prepare for an important presentation, or while trying to meet that fast-approaching deadline.
Relationship-focused exercises like listening, kindness, empathy, and compassion, can help anytime you’re connecting with colleagues, friends, family, and yes, even an important leader in your organization.
We have exercises to help you sleep, use your senses to fully take in moments and meals, boost innovation and creativity, change or build new habits, increase social and self-awareness, and even brush your teeth.
Feeling inspired? Take a moment to download our app Levelhead for Real Life today. It’s just $2.99 and can help you in just a few minutes a day.