August has arrived, that month that borders lazy summer days and crisp autumn nights. Growing up I always thought of August as that last care-free month before school began. Summer’s last stand if you will. My quest for calm this month is ideal for transitioning to our next season. But as always, I need to report on my discoveries from July.
Engaging in one of my favorite rituals, last month I took time out to savor teas specifically created with ingredients known to promote relaxation. Green, tulsi, and rose tea filled my cup almost daily. While I usually practice my chosen activity three times a week, because tea is so easy to prepare and delightful to sip, I found myself reaching for it whenever I needed a break. July was a hot one here in Southern California, so I also made sun tea from all three kinds. As refreshing cold, as hot. By the cup or glass, this tasty elixir was well worth the $20 spent for a box of each tea. A month of small pleasures and I still have some left to enjoy!
From my journal: July 10, 2024 Newbury Park, California
“Iced green tea…mmm, good! A lift, a little boost…just what I needed…”
Green tea with its delicate earthy flavor and small amount of caffeine served me well mid-mornings. More robust, herby with the distinct taste of basil, tulsi tea was divine. It provided a little sweetness while my mornings turned into afternoons. And the light taste of rose tea with just a hint of floral notes and fragrance, was a perfect reviver. One that suited me in late afternoons. Each tea’s offering of calmness in a cup, will keep me drinking them up!
This month’s quest is bringing me back to basics. An essential part of health routines around the world for centuries, this one doesn’t cost anything, can be done anytime, anywhere, and by anyone, including animals! If you’ve ever watched a cat or dog awake from sleep, you’ll see them pandiculate that is…involuntarily stretch their muscles that have been inactive for a while to relieve tension. While pandiculation refers to innate movements that are usually accompanied by yawning, I will be focusing on purposeful stretching to induce relaxation over the next four weeks.
Stretching is simply an exercise in which you put a body part in a specific position without force for a short period of time that results in an elongation of a muscle or muscle group. Stretching boosts flexibility, improves circulation, and may reduce pain. It activates your parasympathetic nervous system, which helps to ease the effects of stress. People who engage in this soothing act for just ten minutes a day, report feeling less anxious, more open, even taller!
Two main types of stretching include static and dynamic. Static stretching is slow-paced and is done in a stationary position, either sitting, standing or lying down. Poses are held for 30 seconds or more and by using slow deep breaths you can sink deeper into a stretch. Many yoga asanas are static. Think Downward Facing Dog and Child’s Pose.
Dynamic stretching is a controlled movement performed in a standing or moving position that mimics the sport you plan to do. Sports like swimming, tennis, or hiking. This type of stretching targets the primary muscles you will use, such as hamstrings for hiking.
Because my goal is to seek calmness, I have chosen five stretches specifically to meet this challenge. These five are all static exercises. Performed in still positions they will be best for bringing awareness to my body while I focus on my breathing which I hope leads to a meditative type of state.
I will begin with the Cat-Camel stretch which warms the entire spine, promotes circulation, and relieves stiff back muscles. To open up my chest and breathing, I will then do a Standing Pec stretch. Next up, or should I say down is the Double Knee to Chest stretch. While lying face up, this one massages the lower back and helps with tightness in the hips. Lower Trunk Rotation will follow. Lying face up with knees bent, I’ll rotate my body side to side. This stretch loosens muscles in the lower back and hips, as well. And I’ll end my session with Child’s Pose. This has always been one of my favorite yoga poses as it allows me to reach my arms overhead, drop my head to the floor, and invites my hips and heels to sit back. Ah…I’m relaxed just thinking about this routine!
As I do every month, I will engage in this activity for at least 15 minutes, three times a week. Giving my body and mind time to pause, I hope after doing these exercises I will feel at peace and that feeling will stretch out…through my entire day!
A Journal Journey 