A few years back, I was pulling 12-16 hour work days regularly and it was beginning to seriously affect my health (I also juggled two other part time jobs). One would assume working in the children's home furnishings and toy industry would be fun...child's play. It was anything but, and an extremely stressful and competitive field that left me physically and psychologically worn out. In response, I devised a simple, but effective, way to combat stress each morning...
How to: Meditate In the Bath
Using the basic principles of meditation, I began each morning with a hot bath that was neither rushed nor relied upon extraneous input like reading or listening to music. The day already promised much extraneous stimulation and multitasking later, so I used each morning as an opportunity to start off on my own terms. The whole goal of my morning bath was to slowly wake up, consciously breathing fully, slowly and aware of each breath taken, and focus on the singular task of slowing my heart rate.
The simple technique I used was to lay with my head just above the water, fully engulfed up to where my mouth and nose were just above water, so I could see the surface of the water closely and also to block our ambient sounds since my ears were also under water. Then breathing slowly and fully, I'd concentrate on the sound and sensation of inhaling and exhaling, and I'd try to minimize any break in the surface of the water. Doing this for just 15 minutes, my heart rate would slow down, yet I'd also fully awaken.
Beginning the day with a relaxed and aware mind state instead of one agitated in caffeinated state made a big difference in productivity and also health (and there was plenty of time later in the day to get buzzed on coffee or soda if I needed the boost). It also made me a nicer commuter and morning person in the office. Even now, though I don't work in that crazy office environment, I still begin each morning with a slow and relaxed bath; I don't always need to meditate, but when the need arises, all I have to is set aside 15 minutes to slow down and rejuvenate. Give it a try.
[photo credit: arboresce]
Comments (10)
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I'm glad you escaped that environment and are now writing interesting and amusing posts for AT. I'm just back home after yet another 12-hour day and wondering how much longer I can/should stick it. I would try your technique but it's the "getting out of bed in the first place" part that I have trouble with... Ah well, another day.
view El Jinx's profile
My sympathy goes out to you, Gregory, but I hope you'll pardon me for focusing most of my attention on that great bathtub. It reminds me of the extra long bathtubs I had in England. Oh, how I miss those!
view Nougat's profile
I do the same thing! The bath part that is, to enter each day.
view karyn's profile
me too, karyn. i find the shower such an offensive way to wake up!
view mjr's profile
..and I wonder what is that wonderful color on the walls?
view solarised's profile
Make it 3...I would never dream of starting my day in a stark shower....Bubble bath, bath oils, a candle, my 2 dogs sitting staring over the edge of the tub, and the whirrrrrr of the jacuzzi motor. I can take on anything after that.
view hdtex's profile
That was lovely. During my last job, which also entailed sixteen hour days, I always found ten minutes to end the day with a hot bath and a few minutes to just be. And usually there was icecream.
view a.meyer's profile
I use music to deal with stress, esp. during my long commute time. When I commute on the train, I use the ipod and in my car I have a 7 speaker system. The latter in particularly really gets me going (I can sing along). It also helps me unwind at the end of the day. Nothing like cruising down the road listening to great music with the moon roof open. I'm considering getting a waterproof radio/cd player for my shower. Anyone tried this?
view timmy jr.'s profile
I remember doing that back in highschool (Driver's ed, School, After-school graphic design club, then a job at a discount clothing shop) 7AM-1AM M-F, 12-12 S-S. The temporary "bubble high" was gone mid-morning though. God, I hated that time in my life. lol
view Djluckyonline's profile
wow--you really don't have children.
view goonie's profile