De-Stress Exercise

Choose a short phrase or prayer that is consistent with your beliefs, such as "peace" or "the Lord is my shepherd" or "sh'ma Yisroel." Get comfortable and close your eyes. Relax your muscles starting with your feet and moving up to your calves, thighs, abdomen, shoulders and arms, neck and head. Notice your natural breathing and each time you exhale say your phrase silently to yourself. Other thoughts will come into your mind but that is no problem. During this exercise, acknowledge them and then go back to your phrase. If you can continue this for five or ten minutes you will find yourself very refreshed and relaxed.