De-stressing with Bente (7)

Learning to relax again: how do you manage to do that? Bente (23) is a freelance journalist and works as an online editor at Flow. Having experienced a near-burn-out, she’s finding her way to a life with less stress. And every Friday, she takes us with her on her journey to get there.

After seven weeks, five sessions of therapy and plenty of moments on the rug, I can honestly say that I am doing a lot better. I remember what it is like to breathe normally, I don’t panic anymore when I step across the threshold of my own door and, according to my therapist, I’ve completely lost the nervousness she first saw in my eyes.

Time for a celebration and the next step. Because at this moment even though I may be far from a new slump, I must continue to defend myself from the possibility. And we do that again on the floor.

When I arrive at my therapist’s place, the red exercise mat is ready. “We’re going to try something new,” she says, as I take off my shoes and lie down. “I want you to start relaxing. Once you are relaxed, I’m going to say four sentences out loud, I want you to choose the one that appeals to you the most and to keep repeating that sentence in your head.” I don’t know what good it’ll do, but I nod and close my eyes.