Quick Release

On Monday I tried cooking mashed potatoes on my new Instant Pot using the pressure cooker function.  I noticed that the instructions really emphasized that it is important to allow time for the pressure inside the pot to "release".  The quickest way is to move a knob at the top from sealed to "vent".  All of a sudden a tremendous amount of steam is ventilated out and then  you are able to open the pot.

I immediately thought about our lives in the same way.  How many of us have been through high pressured days or days when we feel the pressure rising within us from things all going wrong?  Wouldn't it be nice to have a "release button" to let go of some of that pressure?

If we don't release the pressure, then we begin to feel it in our bodies.  Our blood pressure rises and then other long term problems begin to arise.  I think there are several ways to release the pressure which I have listed below:

• Exercise
• Several minutes of deep breathing/meditation
• Talking to a trusted friend or therapist
• Writing or journaling
• Getting enough sleep

If we do some of the above everyday, then we are gradually able to handle life on a minute to minute basis where the pressure does not build up to begin with.  

Below is the choice we have with Instant Pots and with life too. 

If you're using an Instant Pot, you turn the valve from sealing to venting to release the pressure