Schizophrenia was frightening because I was unable to “settle down,” even though people around me were asking me to do so. At one point in my life, I paid 20% of my SSDI paycheck to a Tai Chi master to teach me to teach myself how to tame my body and spirit. So, I tell you what you can do right now to “settle down” your BRAIN, spine, and nerves since all three direct your life.

In order to focus my brain, the 5 senses can lead me into the present moment. For example, imagine before sleep and after a hot shower…:

1. Sip on “sleepy” tea to stimulate your TASTE buds. Savor it in your mouth after letting it cool to room temperature: Lavender and Chamomile tea will relax your muscles and help you sleep.

2. Use a drop of plant oils or bring in a live plant to bring SCENT to your nose; jasmine or any scented flower of your choice. Also, other plants will improve air quality, for example, the “spider” and “snake” plants will purify your air.

3. Turn on relaxing music that has no lyrics and LISTEN: classical or jazz, solo instrument, or an orchestra. Massage your ears and smile kindly.

4. Wear Cotton or Wool clothes for your SKIN: a beanie, socks, and gloves keep you cozy, plus wearing long pants and a long-sleeve shirt warms you up. Sleep on Linen material and Hemp plus Cashmere are excellent choices, also. There is a difference between a “sexy” and a “spa” experience. You want a “spa” environment from your nightly shower to your bed.

5. WATCH your belly rise and fall as you inhale and exhale then continue to watch while you stretch in bed; flex and extend for a long time before massaging, plus counting your inhales and exhales will help tame thoughts.

Now, you can begin self-massage:

Fully calm, PRESS and RUB wherever you feel heat and pain until it goes away. That’s it! To finish, give yourself a HUG by wrapping your arms around your chest. Hug yourself while saying and feeling these words: “I’m sorry, I thank you, I love you.”

As you perfect the art of self-care, self-reliance will kick in and your INTUITION will be your only guide. Teas, plants, music, clothing, and massage techniques will come together after many attempts to relax.

Start with: “small simple steps.” Jim Kwik, author of the book: Limitless.

Tips: At my bedside table, having a pitcher of WATER and a cup relieves worry. And, in the middle of the night, it’s reassuring to have a roll of TOILET PAPER nearby. Also, a pen and a notepad on the same table can keep all of my thoughts and ideas.

“The body is not you, it’s yours!” Ilchi Lee