As I continue on my journey of self care and improvement, I find that I need more than just ‘time alone’ to unwind.
I need to relax.
To relax in and of itself means to calm the mind, the body, or both.
Relaxing can quiet your mind and make you feel peaceful and calm. Being relaxed can help ease stress. It can also relieve anxiety, depression, and sleep problems. It can affect your body by making your muscles less tense/more flexible as well as positive effects on your blood pressure, metabolism, and digestion.
There are many tools to help you relax. Some are designed to relax your mind, and some to relax your body, but because of the way the mind and body are connected, many relaxation methods work on both.
Below I have outlined a few relaxation tips to get you started on your journey to relaxation.
Breathing - ‘Take a deep breath’ - You may notice a difference in how you feel almost immediately. This is because your breath is a powerful tool to ease stress and make you feel less anxious. Some simple breathing exercises can make a big difference if you make them part of your regular routine.
Soothing sounds / water fountain - A water fountain or a sound machine that plays recordings from nature can affect heart rate and alter connections in the brain, therefore having relaxing effects on your mind and body.
Zen garden -Tabletop zen gardens are a great way to take a mindfulness break during the day. Some people like to display them in living areas to give themselves or guests a tranquil activity to do. Raking patterns in the sand and rearranging rocks helps increase mindfulness. Engaging in these activities is a great way to clear our minds and reflect on our thoughts.
Aromatherapy - Studies have shown that aromatherapy has an effect on brainwaves and can alter
behavior. Some scents have been shown to provide many benefits in terms of wellness and stress relief.
You may want to try one or more to see what works best for you.
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