Sometimes we find that we are running ourselves absolutely ragged. Loved ones express concern about us, saying we look exhausted or frazzled. We get caught up in our desire to achieve, to accomplish, to check things off our “to do” lists, and to look good to others. “She makes it looks so easy,” we imagine others praising us. “He’s an absolute dynamo,” we want others to say in awe.

But our attachment to productivity and accomplishment is just that—another attachment. The truth is, it is when you have the least time for renewing your mind, body and spirit that it is the most important that you do so. Fortunately, there are two things that you can do that cost absolutely no money and require no appointments with others. You can do them at any time of the day, and they require no special equipment at all, much less having to shave your head, stop eating meat, or wear funny clothes. Ready to know what they are?

They are: walking and meditation.

It’s that simple! Walking gets your body into a rhythmic, gentle, aerobic state. It cleanses the lungs, the mind, the lymphatic system, and calms and energizes the brain. It lets us burn off nervous energy and anger, while simultaneously encouraging the production of very pleasant hormones that make you feel happy. Unless you are in prison, it is always possible to go outside of whatever dwelling you are in and go for a walk. It might not be an idyllic environment for walking, and you make need to take extra care about security and keeping your feet steady, but you CAN do it.

As far as meditation goes, if you can sit in a chair, close your eyes, and convince everyone else to leave you the heck alone for five to twenty minutes or more, you can meditate. I always turn off both phones while I meditate, and if my dear husband is home I will coordinate with him a time that is convenient for him to be quiet, e.g. when he wants to quietly play backgammon on the computer, which is at the other side of the house. He knows this time is important to me, and he usually supports it because he knows that regular meditation makes me much nicer to be around! The great English psychic and healer, Betty Shine, always said that even if you lived in a house filled with bedlam, there was always one small room in the house (with a locking door and a comfortable place to sit) that people generally wouldn’t barge in on!

Just remember, it’s when you have the least time to renew yourself is when it’s the most important that you do so. Over time, you will be able to handle more responsibilities and tasks while maintaining your peace of mind, your equanimity and your physical health.

Enjoy your walk, and enjoy your sit!