Today I have 8 easy relaxation techniques to help to not only manage stress, but they help you to sleep better, improve your mood and generally feel better.
Finding relaxation activities can be difficult in a world full of non-stop stress and never-ending to-do lists.
You may find yourself stuck in a pattern of feeling overwhelmed and unable to take time for yourself, but it’s important to make relaxation an essential part of your daily routine.
Hello and welcome to Fearlessly Holistic.
My name is Irma and I want to share my journey to improved health by eating whole foods, moving my body and eliminating stress as much as possible.
It is my hope to inspire you to make daily changes. Why? Because eating fresh, seasonal food, getting some sunshine, and reducing stress is the best way to increase longevity. But you do not want just a long life.
You want a quality long life, and you want to look and feel your best while you live it.
My blog posts are my opinion and the results of things that I have tried that either worked for me or didn’t. My opinions are for informational purposes only and are not intended as medical advice. Medical advice should always be obtained from a qualified medical professional for any health conditions or symptoms associated with them. As well, there may be affiliate links in this post. Read more here.
The Benefits of Relaxing
Relaxation is more than just zoning out watching TV after a day at work.While this may seem restful, it doesn’t do much to fix the damaging effects of chronic stress.
If we want to be able to manage our stress, we need to eliminate as much of our daily stress as we can.
This will allow us to deal with new stressors more easily.
Being more relaxed most of the time brings its own benefits, such as
- Better quality of sleep
- Improved energy
- Increased confidence when handling problems
- Better digestion
- Increased blood flow
- Lower blood pressure
- Improved mood
- Reduction in everyday stress
- Improved focus
- Less fatigue
A few years ago, I had more stress than I could handle.
First it was the soon-to-be loss of my job. Next was a death in the family. And then we moved cities.
Because the stressors “crept up on me”, I did not realize just how much pressure I was really under.
I tried most of the following techniques to reduce my stress, and some others that are a bit woo-woo.
I took the one’s that I really liked and put them in my mental health toolbox.
I can tell when I am stressed now, and I can stay ahead of it by doing one or two of these activities. I recommend trying one of these easy relaxation techniques to start, and adding new ones as necessary.
8 Easy Relaxation Techniques
1. Meditation:
Taking even just five minutes out of your day to sit quietly, close your eyes, and focus on your breathing is an excellent way to reduce stress levels and encourage relaxation.
Meditation allows us to observe our thoughts as they come up without getting caught up in them or letting them control us; this can help to bring more clarity, focus and peace.
2. Exercise:
Exercise is not only great for physical health, but it can also be a powerful tool in reducing stress levels.
Physical activity releases endorphins which are responsible for feelings of happiness and well-being.
Taking part in a regular exercise routine as little as three times a week can make a huge difference in overall mental health.
3. Nature Walks:
Being outdoors has been proven to increase positive emotions, reduce anxiety and improve overall moods.
Head out for a walk whenever you have some free time or even just on your lunch break; take deep breaths of the fresh air and open yourself up to feeling relaxed and refreshed again.
Bonus points if you walk barefoot in nature (grass, sand)…weather permitting!
4. Aromatherapy:
Aromatherapy relies on different scents and essential oils to promote relaxation.
Take some time out of your day to light a few candles, spray some lavender or burn incense – all these activities can be calming and help you to relax.
5. Writing:
Writing is an excellent way to process thoughts and feelings that may be causing stress in your life.
Keep a journal handy and take just five minutes out of your day to write down whatever comes into your head; this simple act has been known to reduce anxiety levels significantly.
6. Take a Break from Technology:
People are constantly bombarded by technology and it can be overwhelming.
Taking a few hours off to unplug from your devices can help you relax and unwind. Social media, emails, and text messages can all wait while you take some time for yourself.
7. Practice Gratitude:
Taking some time to think about the things that you are grateful for can be surprisingly calming.
Reflecting on all of the positive aspects of your life will help bring perspective and put your worries into perspective.
Writing down a list of everything you’re thankful for is also a great way to appreciate all that you have in life.
8. Consider CBD Products:
CBD products, such as tinctures and topicals, are becoming increasingly popular for their calming effects. They can help reduce stress and anxiety levels while also offering a sense of relaxation that is hard to achieve with more traditional methods.
CBD products from a cbd online store have no psychoactive properties, so they will not make you feel “high” – instead they can provide calming relief in times of need.
Finally
Relaxation should be a priority in your life, not an afterthought.
Dedicate some time each day to doing something that brings you peace and happiness; it will make all the difference when it comes to reducing stress levels and feeling more at ease
Conclusion
The best thing I ever did for myself was to learn how to manage my stress. It was tough getting started, but I knew that I needed to something.
I joined a mental health class to learn some of the techniques written about in this post. I started meditating; I went for long walks in places where there is a lot of nature; and I journaled my gratitude for the gifts in my life.
I also recommend a clean, whole foods diet. When you give your body fresh nutrients, well of course it will work better for you!
Holism targets overall wellness, and when we are well, we only get better with age.
Eat the best food that you can afford to give your body the building blocks it needs for optimal health, longevity, and looking good for as long as possible.
Please share this post with anyone who can benefit from it. Sharing is caring! And follow me on Pinterest!
Until next time, here’s to our health!
-Irma