I call it the “S.L.A.P.” method.
SLAP your way to success!
(Actually I just made up that name as I’m writing this.)
I’m a martial arts instructor, but I am always first and foremost a student. My goal is to learn, and I like to share what I’ve learned with anyone interested in listening. As I’ve been working towards improving the quality of my life since my accident, I’ve come across a few simple but effective ways to help me achieve goals and improve myself and my life in small but meaningful increments. Here’s what I’ve found so far. If you’re interested in getting a SLAP to get yourself into gear, read on…
The S.L.A.P. Method
Meditate: This doesn’t have to be tied to a specific belief system. And you don’t have to spend a lot of time doing this. 7-10 minutes of shutting out everything – problems and concerns, stress, worry, plans and schedules – and just be for a little while – can help you find some calm, get your reenergized, and put things into a better perspective. I do a guided meditation using an app on my phone (because I do everything on my phone), and it’s been an amazing journey so far.
Slow is smooth, smooth is fast: I teach this to my martial arts students. I could do an entire series on this concept. But to keep it simple for now, the idea is to literally slow down a little. When we rush, we are more likely to get stressed out, be forgetful, and make mistakes. Sometimes we have no choice but to be in a hurry, but many – if not most – of the components of life don’t need to be completed at breakneck speed. If I’m working on a project or practicing something like the guitar or martial arts, I start slow, focusing on being smooth rather than being fast. Over time, I can increase my speed naturally as I become more comfortable with what I’m doing and find my rhythm. With this practice, in the long run, I can accomplish more and learn more quickly than if I tried to rush through everything. That’s why “slow is smooth and smooth is fast.” So keep it smooth.
Stretch: You don’t have to be super flexible. Just stretch: slowly, steadily, pushing yourself just a little to try to improve. Better flexibility leads to a better feeling body. And stretching helps relieve stress. We hold stress in our body long after the cause of the stress has passed. Stretch, then relax. Let your body settle down a little.
Drink water: The benefits of drinking enough water cannot be overstated. You don’t have to be one of those people who carry around a gallon of water all day. Just keep yourself hydrated. Water lubricates the joints, helps with mental clarity, energizes muscles, helps the body better eliminate waste, helps your skin be healthier, and just makes you feel better overall.
Simple methods, for a better you and a better life. None of this is new information. Most of us already have the knowledge. Sometimes we just need a reminder… a little SLAP to get us going.
Dead-Logic 