?? When relaxation seems unimportant

Has it happened to you that, at some point in your life, you feel responsible for the stability of many people? Do you often go the extra mile to be there for others? It happens to many of us, and even though we do so with the best intentions, the truth is it can affect our physical and mental health.

Since we celebrate Relaxation Day on August 15th, we wanted to talk about the importance of taking time for oneself, especially when everything around us does depend on us. Take the next minutes for yourself, and enjoy these lines with as much awareness as possible. This is the agenda:

???? Can we relax already? Yes, Chef!

?? Meditation and Virtual Reality

?? Why Zebras Don’t Get Ulcers

?? Content recommendation?

???? Can we relax already? Yes, Chef!

We will be able to see The Bear's new season in only a few weeks. If you're not familiar with this fascinating TV show, let us give you a summary before explaining the mindful lesson here.

Carmy (Jeremy Allen White), a renowned chef in the US, inherits a chaotic restaurant from his brother, Mike (Jon Bernthal). In every episode, we see the misadventures, challenges, and small joys of each person in that kitchen.?

At some point, Carmy is so overwhelmed by dealing with his brother's passing, the legal issues of the restaurant, and pretty much everyone under his leadership that he accidentally locks himself up in a giant fridge… on the restaurant's inauguration night.

All that effort, all those sleepless nights, all that stress—to miss the one day you have been chasing for months. Does this sound familiar to you??

You see, it's undeniable that many depended on Carmy for success and guidance. Maybe you're like that, too. Focused on work, success, and showing up for everyone around you.

But the consequences of not taking a small break can affect you just as much as they affected Carmy.

Perfectionism, fear of failure, imposter syndrome… All those things surround us at some point. For some, it could be a positive trigger. Pushing them to achieve the most significant goals. For others, it could feel paralyzing. Confusing. How long do you think we can humanly endure those conditions??

If you struggle with making time to relax, or even if you have it, but you still can’t truly do so, here’s some advice:

• Try to be in the present moment: Use breathing exercises to connect mind and body; it will help you focus on the now with kindness.
• Prioritize yourself: You are doing great, and to keep on that track, you need to take care of yourself. The more you postpone it, the more challenges will arise for you and those around you.
• Think positively before bed: Try to leave the to-do’s and the day's challenges behind. Instead, celebrate your accomplishments so you can sleep easily.
• Meditate for 10 minutes: Before starting or ending the day, give yourself a 10-minute break to nurture your mind. It will help you to recharge.

?? Meditation and Virtual Reality

Have you tried our visualization exercises? Maybe a meditation that makes you visualize a specific, tranquil, and vivid scenario? When you engage with these practices, our most creative brain areas activate, and along with the activation of bodily sensations, we sort of feel and “see” we are somewhere else. That’s meditation making the present clearer. More vivid.

What if we tell you that now, thanks to MediVR, Meditopia’s content partner, it’s no longer an imagined scenario but a virtual reality??

Combining our meditation expertise with cutting-edge VR technology, we created MediVR to offer a mindful virtual reality experience like no other. We can't wait for you to try it!

Just like in that mythical Wizard of Oz scene where our beloved Dorothy lands in a land very far away from Kansas, you can now meditate:

• Walking around Stonehenge
• Floating in a space station
• In a hot air balloon at the Grand Canyon
• Resting in a cozy home

And more!

You can experience the MediVR app soon on your Oculus headset by searching for MediVR in the Quest Store, either online or directly on your device. Try it, and let us know what you think!

?? Why Zebras Don't Get Ulcers

If you have pets, or like many of us, you are a fan of puppy Instagram videos, you have surely noticed their relaxed attitude towards life. It's like they were always living in the present moment. That doesn't happen often to humans, does it? But… What about zebras?

"Why Zebras Don't Get Ulcers" (1994) by Robert M. Sapolsky is a comprehensive exploration of stress and its effects on the human body and mind. It combines humor, scientific insights, and practical advice to help readers understand the biological mechanisms of stress and how to manage it effectively.

By the way, the short explanation for why these beautiful animals don't get sick the way we do is that zebras experience acute stress (e.g., escaping predators), which is short-lived and followed by a return to normal.?

In contrast, humans often experience chronic stress, which can lead to long-term health problems, such as heart complications, anxiety, high cholesterol levels, and even diabetes.

Now, we are not insinuating that those issues are 100% a result of high-stress levels, but research does suggest that they have a lot to do with it.?

What you will find on the pages of this book are scientific advice and facts -with a pinch of humor. It could be part of your summer reading since it's really short and easy to read. By the last page, you will be able to look at your "me time" differently and come back to your mindfulness practice with more awareness.

?? Content recommendation?

Meditation

Music

Thank you for joining us today! We hope these words help you find time to relax and take care of yourself. Who knows, maybe in a few days you will have something in common with zebras ??.

Please share this newsletter with someone who needs to include some relaxation in their lives. And see you next week!