So it's more important than ever to try and relax when you can. We all need downtime and relaxation has been proven to be beneficial to physical and mental health with effects on lowering blood pressure, reducing muscle tension and improving chronic pain.
Let's have a look at 10 powerful ways to relax in this modern age. This is an ad.
Walking in nature
Walking in nature has been shown to help relaxation and stress. The act of walking is automatic and can help you switch off from the daily stresses of life. Exploring the countryside can help us feel at one with nature, and appreciate the beauty around us. Walking in nature can be a lovely way to relax and feel refreshed. In fact, scientists have even found that looking at photos of nature with greenery for five minutes on your computer can support recovery from stress.
Controlled breathing
Controlled breathing is a breathing technique that can be learnt to help relieve stress, anxiety and panic attacks. It helps you refocus by listening to your breathing. Get comfortable and breath in gently for 5 counts then out for 5 counts. Check out this breathing exercise for more information here.
Yoga
Yoga is a mind and body exercise that combines physical poses, controlled breathing and meditation. You only need a yoga mat, and loose clothing and that's it, no expensive equipment is needed. There is much research to show the benefits of yoga on relaxation and a feeling of wellbeing. Check out simple yoga techniques on YouTube but seek out an instructor if you want to take it further. You may find that you enjoy it so much that you decide to do one of the best online yoga teacher training yoga alliance courses and have a go at teaching it yourself!
Relaxation Apps
If you are the sort of person that likes to be guided then there are a number of relaxation apps out there that you can download to aid with relaxation. Calm, Headspace and Shine are three well-known relaxation apps that are worth checking out. They usually have a combination of guided relaxation sessions and mediations including those to help you sleep. Some of these apps have a free trial so you can check them out first without spending any money.
Laughing
Pets, especially dogs and cats have been shown to help stress. The act of stroking a pet can reduce your pulse and blood pressure and many studies on people of all ages have shown the companionship of having a pet can help reduce the feelings of loneliness. If you haven't got a pet yourself, make an effort to visit friends or family with pets or consider volunteering at your local pet shelter.
Music
Music can aid relaxation immensely, especially slow rhymic music. This type of music can have a beneficial effect on our physiological functions, slowing the pulse and heart rate, lowering blood pressure, and decreasing the levels of stress hormones. For example, when I fly I listen to certain music that helps me relax, and this helps with my fear of flying. It's always worth making a playlist of songs that help you relax, to listen to in particularly stressful times.
Writing
Writing can mentally relax you by getting all your thoughts down on paper, or on a computer. This cathartic response helps you focus on your feelings and emotions, allowing you to process them and work through them with yourself. Journalling or keeping a diary can be another way of getting your thoughts and feelings down. It can also be helpful to reflect on your emotions.
Talking
Talking about your thoughts and feelings to a friend or therapist is a powerful way to help you destress and help you relax. Knowing someone is listening can really help. Talking about pent-up feelings allows you to get your emotions out and knowing someone cares can make you feel instantly better in many circumstances. As they say 'It's good to talk', and many areas of psychology focus on talking therapies.
So here are 10 powerful ways to help you relax. Let me know if you have tried any of these. Which are your favourite tried and tested ways to relax?
Relaxation Apps
If you are the sort of person that likes to be guided then there are a number of relaxation apps out there that you can download to aid with relaxation. Calm, Headspace and Shine are three well-known relaxation apps that are worth checking out. They usually have a combination of guided relaxation sessions and mediations including those to help you sleep. Some of these apps have a free trial so you can check them out first without spending any money.
Laughing
Laughing is a great release. Laughter and comedy can help with anxiety and depression, releasing the endorphins reducing stress and boosting the immune response. It's a great way to relax so try and build in time to your week to watch your favourite comedy films, listen to your favourite stand-up comedians on TV, YouTube or Blue-Ray or once in a while go to a comedy show. You will be happy and healthier for it.
Sex
Sex reduces stress and is a very underrated, fun and free way to relax. Sex is an aerobic activity that releases Serotonin in the body, the body feel-good hormone, and Endorphins, the body's painkillers. When you have an orgasm Oxytocin is released too which can help you sleep. So make time for this in your life, you will be grateful you did!
Pets
Sex reduces stress and is a very underrated, fun and free way to relax. Sex is an aerobic activity that releases Serotonin in the body, the body feel-good hormone, and Endorphins, the body's painkillers. When you have an orgasm Oxytocin is released too which can help you sleep. So make time for this in your life, you will be grateful you did!
Pets
Pets, especially dogs and cats have been shown to help stress. The act of stroking a pet can reduce your pulse and blood pressure and many studies on people of all ages have shown the companionship of having a pet can help reduce the feelings of loneliness. If you haven't got a pet yourself, make an effort to visit friends or family with pets or consider volunteering at your local pet shelter.
Music
Music can aid relaxation immensely, especially slow rhymic music. This type of music can have a beneficial effect on our physiological functions, slowing the pulse and heart rate, lowering blood pressure, and decreasing the levels of stress hormones. For example, when I fly I listen to certain music that helps me relax, and this helps with my fear of flying. It's always worth making a playlist of songs that help you relax, to listen to in particularly stressful times.
Writing
Writing can mentally relax you by getting all your thoughts down on paper, or on a computer. This cathartic response helps you focus on your feelings and emotions, allowing you to process them and work through them with yourself. Journalling or keeping a diary can be another way of getting your thoughts and feelings down. It can also be helpful to reflect on your emotions.
Talking
Talking about your thoughts and feelings to a friend or therapist is a powerful way to help you destress and help you relax. Knowing someone is listening can really help. Talking about pent-up feelings allows you to get your emotions out and knowing someone cares can make you feel instantly better in many circumstances. As they say 'It's good to talk', and many areas of psychology focus on talking therapies.
So here are 10 powerful ways to help you relax. Let me know if you have tried any of these. Which are your favourite tried and tested ways to relax?
*Collaborative post
Some great tips here, I have recently been looking at doing yoga, I do agree with talking I bottle things up too much and once I start opening up and talking I do feel a lot better
ReplyDeleteYes to laughing! I think it is completely underestimated, but it is so powerful in many ways :)
ReplyDeleteI love these suggestions. I can feel my stress levels increase by the day at the moment which is not like me and I think it is definitely lockdown.
ReplyDeleteNature is one of the ultimate calming places for me x
These are some great suggestions, it is amazing how different animals really can help you relax and de-stress.
ReplyDeleteGoing for a walk really helps me. But the controlled breathing is great for when I am stresses and finding it hard to relax or fall alseep.
ReplyDeleteI believe in the importance of relaxation and it can be different for many. Yoga is so good, even just simple stretches in the morning. x
ReplyDeleteI'd love to get a pet. They really are wonderful for keeping stress levels down and fun to play with too.
ReplyDelete