Failing to take the time to unwind on a regular basis can have a noticeable impact on both your physical and mental well-being. You need a break from your hectic schedule and other responsibilities. It can seem like it’s hard to make time for relaxation, but it doesn’t have to be as difficult as you might initially expect. Here are some tips to help relax your body and mind.
Cook yourself a healthy meal
Many people are under the false impression that cooking is a super stressful activity, but it’s a therapeutic task. Whipping up a delicious, healthy dinner can be so rewarding, and you’ll no doubt be benefiting healthwise by forgoing the usual preservatives and other ingredients in takeout foods.
Getting into a rhythm of cutting vegetables, becoming lost in the bubbles as you stir a pot, or feeling total delight as you watch just a few ingredients turn into a mouth watering meal — so many aspects of cooking can be relaxing and uplifting.
Spend some time outdoors
When you have a hectic schedule that calls for you to spend most of your time in big office buildings, it can certainly impact on the way that you feel. Counter that by spending time among the sights, sounds, smells and sensations of nature if you want to feel balanced and connected.
Taking yourself out for a walk around a local park when you’re feeling stressed out is such a great way to unwind. You can listen to the birds sing, breathe in the fresh air and appreciate the beauty of wildflowers as you stroll. Eat your lunch in a nearby park underneath a tree will help to remove you from the hustle and bustle of daily life.
If you want to benefit from a total reset, then booking a nature-focused getaway for a few days is the perfect option to help get rid of negative energy and improve your well-being. You might be able to find an eco spa, a forest campground, or even a rented cottage by a glistening lake.
Master the art of meditation
Meditation is no doubt one of the best ways to help you reconnect with yourself while removing stress and tension from both your mind and body.
Meditation helps you to live in the moment, let go of all the troublesome thoughts and focus on the current moment. Learning how to meditate doesn’t have to be as difficult as you might initially expect. You can find tutorials online or use guided meditation practices to help. It’s not easy to master the art of meditation, but it’s definitely worth it. You’ll feel lighter, calmer and more balanced as a whole.
Adopt a dog
Recent studies have shown that spending time with a dog can help to relieve stress and induce feelings of joy. Adopting a pup from your local shelter is incredibly rewarding. Aside from this, getting the chance to cuddle them, play with them and walk them is an added bonus.
Make sure you choose the right breed of dog for your living situation. For example, labradors are an ideal family dog that enjoy all kinds of attention and will be happy to lay by your side on the sofa for hours on end.
Take a hot bath
This is a cliche tip offered in relaxation guides, but it works for me. One of the best ways to near-instantly relax both your body and mind is to take a hot bath.
There are lots of options that you can explore to upgrade your bath and take it to a whole new relaxing level. Adding Epsom salts to your bath is an amazing idea that I do regularly. They are an effective detoxifier that can help to draw out things like heavy metals, chemicals and other toxins that can build up inside your body. You can also use your bath as a chance to indulge in some luxurious body scrubs and masks.
In order to make your bath more relaxing, it’s a good idea to leave your smartphone outside. It can be easy to get distracted by your mobile and simply stew in the water as you scroll through social media. Instead, you should try to focus on using the opportunity for contemplation or other similar activities that will balance your mind rather than filling it with even more thoughts to worry about.
Talk to a mental health expert
Mental health providers like psychologists and psychiatrists can show you breathing and relaxation techniques to help calm your anxiety, and they can also prescribe medications, if needed. There is no shame in seeking help when you need it.
Whether you choose to spend some time outdoors or learn how to meditate, you’ll feel noticeably calmer in no time at all.
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Marette Flora is the founder of Floradise blog and personalized gift shop. Marette is a passionate storyteller and creator. She attended the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism at Arizona State University and obtained a bachelor’s degree in journalism and mass communication.
She is passionate about creating helpful and meaningful things.