One thing that having a new baby has taught me is to take the moments when I am nursing or he is sleeping in my arms to just enjoy the time and relax. I have found that the more focused I get on what I could be getting done instead or what I am not getting done, the more anxious and stressed I get. When I let go and take the time as the gift it is and just relax and be present, I feel much, much better.

We just got back from a few days in the Russian River area for a mini family vacation. My husband and I both agreed to keep the trip “technology free” as much as possible. For us this meant no laptop, no Facebooking or Tweeting and no email. We both had our phones with us and we both caught each other checking them a couple times, but for the most part we were “unplugged.”

What I noticed during this time was initially a bit of uncomfortableness. Sounds silly, but I had to continue to give myself permission to relax and be okay with not necessarily doing anything or being plugged into anything. I almost felt guilty not having anything that I had to do. Just sitting on the back deck under the Redwood trees, sipping a glass of wine and listening to the kids play in the yard was enough, and yet sometimes it didn’t feel like enough.

I was thrilled to have this Zen Habits post sent to me by my sister-in-law when I returned. It goes to show that I am not the only one who could use some practice in relaxing (and enjoying the relaxing) a bit more.

Some suggested steps on how to relax more from Zen Habits:

• Take 5 minutes to go outside for a walk. Breathe the fresh air.
• Give yourself more time to do things. More time means less rush.
• After work, get outside, take in nature, run around if you can.
• Play. Play like a child. Play with a child…[read entire post]

Now we are back home and I am committed to continuing to blend the Art of Productivity with the Art of Relaxing. For life is most enjoyable when you are able to experience and enjoy both.

Coaches Corner:

• Are you focused too much on productivity and could use a dose of relaxation in your life?
• Are you so focused on what needs to get done that you are neglecting the Art of Relaxation in your own life?
• When you think about relaxing for a bit, what thoughts and emotions come up for you?
• I challenge you to consciously relax this week. Use some of the tips from Zen Habits or come up with your own ideas and see how it feels.

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