It’s a hectic world. We’re always on the go, whether we like it or not. Often, we sacrifice ourselves to the busy pace of life and to the interests and needs of those around us. This all leads to stress, and stress can take a physical toll. Consider taking some time to unwind for your health and well being. Here are the top 10 tips to have you enjoying a little relaxation.
1. Meditation
Although getting into a meditative state can be difficult for some people, meditation simply cannot be beat when it comes to shifting your awareness from an unpleasant, stressful reality to a serene place inside yourself. Meditation is truly transporting. And if you find it’s hard to let yourself slip into meditation, try a guided meditation CD. The sound of someone’s voice instructing you on the imagery that should come to mind and inviting you to feel different emotional states might just do the trick.
2. A Massage
Most people who have braved a massage come away from the experience absolutely adoring the feeling of healing touch. Good massages are emotionally fulfilling as well as physically relaxing. Typically they are thought of as a luxury, and they certainly can be. But there are less expensive ways to enjoy a massage, too. Buy a massage instruction book for a loved one or friend and take turns practicing on one another. Or see if a local massage school is looking for volunteers.
3. Aromatherapy
Herbal teas and fragrant baths are examples of how aromatherapy can work in your favor, when you’re allowing yourself to enjoy something that you enjoy smelling. There are many relaxing essential oils out there – such as lavender – that can be warmed in an oil burner with a simple tea light candle, or even placed in a warmer you hang around a light bulb. The gentle diffusion of the scent into your environment truly does have an effect on your emotional state.
4. Progressive Muscle Relaxation
Progressive Muscle Relaxation, or PMR, is an exercise designed to help release tension in both your body and your mind. By moving your awareness to different parts of your body and focusing on muscle movement in those places, you make your body relax as your consciousness unfolds. The more your body relaxes, the more mentally and emotionally relaxed you feel. It’s a common weapon in the arsenal of therapists everywhere to fight anxiety, panic, and just plain stress. Try using your favorite search engine to find PMR guides online – there are plenty.
5. A Bubble Bath
Showers are utilitarian; most of us are used to taking showers because we have to, in a rushed manner and always trying to beat the clock. Baths, on the other hand, are all about taking it slow and chilling out. A hot bath with something pleasantly scented in it, such as a nice bubble bath or a bath with calming salts, is a full-body tonic to combat stress.
6. A Long Walk
Take a long rambling walk somewhere beautiful and see where the journey takes you. Allow yourself to get lost in the scenery (but don’t lose your way!). Breathe deeply and take in wonderful, healing oxygen. Allow the exercise to tire you out – it’s a special brand of tired, the sort that will often shut your mind off come time for sleep. Bask in the endorphins a little physical activity generates.
7. Artistic Expression
Painting, drawing, scrapbooking, photography, or otherwise expressing yourself is another sure fire way to escape the thoughts that are otherwise occupying your mind. It can be truly inspiring to see what you produce and stimulating your creativity just plain feels good. Be careful, however, not to force yourself to create when you’re not feeling like it, or it will just become another burden.
8. A Good Book
There’s tremendous power in escapism, and there are few ways to achieve a perfect mental escape than an engrossing, good book. Fiction is a great tool for taking your mind off things, but even if fiction isn’t your thing, non-fiction, poetry, or any other type of reading that’s truly interesting to you will put your mind in a better place.
9. Tea Time
A cup of tea (or decaf coffee, if you really can’t stand the taste of teas) can be a silver bullet for relaxation. A nice hot beverage warming you from the inside out can stimulate your senses in just the right way. Even better, try a tea that’s specifically formulated for relaxing, like a chamomile blend. If nothing else, the very knowledge that it’s meant to relax you can work wonders.
10. Soothing Music
While everyone’s definition of “soothing music” may be different, there are definitely types of music that are more harmonious with a relaxing mood than others. Don’t force yourself to listen to a style of music you hate, but find a happy medium between things you’d listen to on, say, a road trip, and things you might listen to if you’re trying to sleep. (The more of the latter the better.) Music has an incredible ability to lift and change moods.
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