Distinctly Montana Magazine

D I S T I N C T L Y M O N T A N A M A G A Z I N E • W I N T E R 2 0 2 0 98 eyes, let your breathing become slow and regular. First, tighten your toes for a minute, then relax them. Taking it slow, tighten your ankles. en your calves, thighs, but- tocks, abdomen, each arm, and finally scrunching the muscles of your face. After relax- ing them, send golden light through the top of your head down to your toes and back up again. Do it as long as it feels good. is exercise can lead into a longer meditation in which you calm your over-active brain. RELAXATION Occasionally spend time in a steam bath or sauna. e warmth relaxes your muscles. Have a massage to get rid of tension. Massages are a pre- ferred health treatment for your body. THERAPY When you are afflicted with chronic loneliness, anger, or grief, find someone, preferably a therapist, to talk to. Talk about what you are really feeling. Speaking aloud leads you to fresh awarenesses. Friends are invaluable. You can also write out your feelings…or color them. Doing so removes the sting and helps you to see them objectively. Try not to act on unprocessed emotions but forgive yourself if you slip up. INSPIRATION Look for beauty. You may find it in landscapes, wildlife, snowy terrain, art magazines, poetry, music. Beauty is a great healer. Get out in nature, best of all in wilderness. Stretch your muscles until they tire. Rest your eyes on trees and birds. Fill your lungs with the (now frosty) air. Outdoor exercise releases sero- tonin (a neurotransmitter in your brain and diges- tive system) that makes you feel energetic. Our nerves get settled, worries banished. Return home physically refreshed and ready for a warm bath. PAY ATTENTION TO OTHERS A large part of emotional intelligence relates to other people, friends, and family. Listening to another with complete attention and interest is a must. Break the habit of distraction. When you disagree, notice where in your body your feelings are activated—your gut, your chest, mind? Tip: Picture anger or annoyance as a paper tiger. Let it pass across your mind's eye until you feel calm. en you are ready to respond. For serenity decide what is important enough to pursue and what to let go. You will be rewarded with more kindness and love—i.e. more well-being. PRACTICE KINDNESS. Wish yourself and others well. Put yourself in another's shoes. Understand their life from their point of view, not yours. Empathy helps prevent temperamental reactions. 20-minute meditation to reduce anxiety www.distinctlymontana.com/emotions201 DISTINCTLY MONTANA | DIGITAL Educators tell us that emotional intelligence has been found to be more important than our IQ.

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