Plugged In

By: Ellisa Oyewo

Someone could literally jump in my face and scream “you won a million dollars!” and I wouldn’t even notice. Hmmm…well maybe I would hear the million dollars part. But the point I’m trying to make is that it’s ridiculous how people, including myself, stay “plugged in” at all times. From the good old ipod, to the Blackberry, to me instantly turning on the TV as soon as I walk in the apartment, I’m always connected. It’s a little scary to see how life passes me by sometimes. My mind is so used to some type of noise in the background that when it’s time to sleep I can’t even quiet my mind. I will lay there tossing, thinking about what I need to do for the next day and how I could’ve squeezed something else on today’s list.  Following are a few tactics I’ve implemented to slowly but surely hush my busy mind…

Just Breathe: As simple as it may sound, it truly does wonders. There are many times that I am just standing somewhere and I realize my whole body will be tense for no reason at all. Take a couple deep breaths to relax your body and slow down your thoughts. It works!

Stretch it Out: Take at least 15-20 minutes a day to just stretch. My body always screams thank you after a day of running around like the energizer bunny. Stretching allows my body to take a break before I hit the sheets.

Trust & Pray– To me, this is the most important out of the three. Prayers allow me to release every feeling I had pinned in all day. A conversation between myself and God does wonders when I feel as if I’m bearing the world on my shoulders. It also puts my minor ups and downs into perspective. When I thank God for all He’s done in my life, I see that life is a miracle.

Unplug the computer. Turn off the phone (I know this one hurts). And simply quiet your mind. Come up with your personal morning/night regimen that can help you begin and end your day on the right foot!

Miracles & Blessings,

Ellisa Oyewo