5 Ways to Unwind On National Relaxation Day
| 2 min read
Stress is something we all face. Although some people are naturally capable of managing their stress, others aren’t so lucky. Utilizing these tips, in honor of National Relaxation Day on August 15, will hopefully help you cope with your stress and be better able to relax.
- Find a quiet space – Set yourself up in a quiet environment with few distractions. Consider scheduling time to relax in a quiet place at times in the day when your stress level is typically high and your energy level is low. Getting in the habit can help you learn to relax anywhere.
- Meditate- Meditation is simple and can be practiced in as little as 20 minutes. Simply sit down and get comfortable. Let your mind and body settle for a minute, then pick something to gently center your attention on, for instance, breathing in a natural rhythm, or an image. If you find your mind wandering, bring it back to what you chose to center your attention on. Meditation works best when done regularly. There are many apps available to help you get in the habit.
- Adopt a passive attitude- Approaching relaxation with a passive attitude means adopting a “let it be” perspective. This approach means putting aside your to-do list and giving yourself permission to rest and reflect for a brief moment. Recentering yourself in this way can energize and recharge you to tackle what’s in front of you.
- Create a home spa– Instead of spending a lot of money at a spa, create one at home. Make time for a leisurely bubble bath. Soaking in a tub filled with warm water can help you physically relax, which also causes mental relaxation. Aromatherapy can also be an effective way to relieve stress and allow relaxation. Light a scented candle or add a subtle fragrance to a room, such as lavender, which has been found to have a calming and relaxing effect on the human body.
- Play your favorite music- Music is a great way to relieve stress. Go to a quiet room and play your favorite relaxing music, or put on your headphones and listen to soothing music. Music has been proven to be more calming and sleep inducing than television or talk radio. Soft music, modern ballads, classical music, smooth jazz or New Age music are all good choices in helping you to relax.
What’s your favorite method to help you relax when feeling stressed? Tell us in the comments.
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Photo credit: EnesEvren
