Welcome to this guided relaxation.
It has been created especially for you as a student midwife,
A truly precious role,
Supporting people at the most vulnerable yet powerful time of their lives.
And as you support others,
It's vital that you're supported too.
And this begins with prioritising yourself.
Gift yourself a little extra time,
Especially on those days where things might seem a little tougher.
So now find yourself a comfy spot to sit or lie down and allow your body to sink into that physical space where you're pressing pause for these few minutes.
Take a moment to settle yourself.
Get comfy and if you need to shift or wriggle until your body feels that it's in the optimal position to relax right now,
Know it's OK to do that.
Take a minute to get into that position now.
And just as you feel ready,
Close your eyes or lower and soften your gaze and begin to listen to the natural rhythm of your body through your breath.
There's no need for you to do anything else right now.
This time is for you.
There's nobody asking you for anything.
Nobody demanding anything of you.
No expectations.
This time is just for you.
As you listen to your breathing,
The natural rhythm of your body,
Notice the rise and fall of your chest,
Bringing that vital life into your lungs.
Don't try to force anything,
Just observe.
And notice how the body does this all of its own accord,
Without any conscious thoughts from you.
It rises and falls,
Rises and falls.
Now,
If you can,
And when you feel ready,
Just start to extend those natural breaths.
Can you breathe a little deeper?
Can you extend that in-breath and bring more air into your body?
Can you extend the out-breath and let the flow of air move away from you,
From your body?
How does that feel?
To invite a little more fresh air in and send a little more stale air away.
Perhaps it would help you to slowly and steadily count each breath,
Without forcing or pressuring your body to do what it can do without a second thought from you.
With each in-breath,
Visualise drawing your energy back to you.
Back from whatever moments have taken energy from you,
From wherever your focus has been,
Whatever projects or events are demanding your vitality recently.
Now,
With each out-breath,
Visualise releasing any energy that doesn't belong to you.
Energy that you've kept hold of when you've been in contact with those you're supporting.
Energy from conversations and moments that have happened throughout the day.
Send that energy away from your body,
Back to where it does belong.
You no longer need it right now.
Now,
If you need to,
Allow your breath to return to its natural rise and fall.
The rhythm that continues without any conscious action from you.
And know that the more you practice,
The easier it will become to extend your breath and invite more life into your body.
By drawing your energy back to you,
And releasing any that doesn't belong to you,
You are supporting your body back to its equilibrium.
Imagine perfectly balanced scales and think about how things begin to flow in your life once things are in balance,
When there's harmony.
Know that you can come back to this moment whenever you're feeling things weighing on you.
Perhaps when things feel a little heavier or tougher.
And know that you're helping your body return to balance.
From that place of balance,
You're a better place to help and care for those that you're supporting,
Whether they're at home or at work.
Focus on your breathing and remember to draw your energy back to you and release anything that doesn't belong to you.
Coming back to your true self.
And now when you're ready,
Start to bring yourself back to the present moment.
Feel your physical body wherever you're sitting or laying.
Start to hear the sounds in the space around you.
Feel the seat or bed that's holding you.
Wiggle your fingers and toes to awaken them.
Take some deep energising breaths.
And then when you're ready,
Slowly open your eyes and come back to the room.
For the present moment.
Perfectly prepared to enjoy the rest of your day.
