Tiny Change #9: give yourself a break

Many of us rest only when we think we're done for the day. But have you consider making rest a constructive part of your day? Jim Brody walked many of us through this during his visit last week. Here's a short description of it from the AT web site:

At least once or twice a day, take 2-5 minutes (but no more than 20 minutes) to practice “Constructive Rest.” It will help to restore balance and ease throughout your body and also help you to recognize and prevent interference with that ease throughout the day. Constructive Rest is especially helpful when practiced when waking up in the morning, before going to bed, and at some point during the day, particularly when you’re busy and stressed. 

Here's what it looks like:

Notice the book under his head. Depending on how you feel, you might need one or you might need three, and it may change from day to day. Bending the knees is crucial for taking stress off the low back. I like doing this midway through a practice session, or immediately proceeding one.

I've adopted this evaluative question during my constructive rest: "Is there anything I am doing, consciously or unconsciously, that is unneeded or unwanted?" Then listen for the answer.