Relax Daily – A Step-by-Step Guide to Add Relaxation to Your Daily Routine
When most people think of relaxing, images of vacations, or unwinding after a hard day at work come to mind. While these are certainly great times to get away from it all and get refreshed, that isn’t enough to battle the ravages of stress on the body, mind and spirit.
Relaxation should be practiced regularly throughout the day. Many people resist this idea, because they feel it will make them less productive, or that others will feel they are “lazy”, however this is not the case. The truth is, regular relaxation techniques have surprising benefits. For example, those who take time to focus on their breathing, can instantly relieve stress and clear the mind, allowing them to work better.
Relaxation can be incorporated in simple ways throughout the day. It will not only help you feel better, it will protect your health and enhance your overall state of well-being, not to mention your performance. Lets look at some great ways to add relaxation to your daily schedule.
Relax when you wake up. Many people hit the ground running as soon as the alarm clock rings. They sleep until the last possible moment, then jump out of bed, rushing around to get to work on time. This induces stress and sets the trend for the rest of the day. Instead, wake up and relax. Stretch well, then sit and enjoy breakfast slowly. Have a nice blend of tea or your favorite coffee in a relaxing place. Sit outside on nice mornings and enjoy some fresh air and the sound of wind chimes. Don’t turn on the TV or engage in distractions. Take some quiet time and just be with your thoughts for 5 to 10 minutes. This is relaxing and puts you at ease, setting you up for a less stressful day overall.
Whether at work or at home, incorporate items into your space that help induce calm. If you work in an office, perhaps add a salt lamp or some of your favorite crystals to your desktop to absorb negative energies and promote a sense of peace. Artwork is a great way to add relaxation to any atmosphere. Hang your favorite artwork and periodically take a full minute to look at it and appreciate it. This clears the mind and promotes relaxation.
The simple act of getting out of our heads for just a moment can bring clarity and peace. If you are feeling tense, stop, close your eyes and take a few deep breaths. Really focus on the breath; feel your lungs fill with air, how your clothes touch and move with your body. Really focus on full and present awareness. When you return to the task at hand, you’ll find yourself better able to concentrate. This practice only takes a minute or two, but the benefits can last for hours.
Other ideas for adding relaxation to your day include:
Incorporate sound. Relaxing music or soothing binaural beats that can help induce a semi-meditative state that keeps you both relaxed and focused.
Use your sense of smell. Aromatherapy is a great way to soothe body, mind and spirit. Use your favorite essential oils or a blend to help induce relaxation any time you start to feel a little tense.
Take time to exercise. Regular exercise is actually very soothing to the body for hours afterwords. The release of “feel good” endorphins produced by heavy activity helps relax the body and clear the mind.
Take a power nap. A nap of no longer than 20 minutes can be very soothing. The siesta is practiced in many cultures and is valued for good reason. Research has shown that a quick nap improves memory and boosts creativity.
Take time to practice meditation regularly. Daily meditation, even for just a few minutes, relaxes, eases stress and anxiety and has been proven scientifically to have numerous health benefits. Regular meditation also conditions the mind and body and will allow you to enter a relaxed state at will with consistent practice. Meditation is a great way to free and open the mind when you need to find answers or clarity.
In addition to incorporating relaxing practices to your daily routine, create an evening ritual that will help you sleep well. Working with our body’s natural circadian rhythm ensures a deeper, more restful and restorative sleep. Relaxing activities before bedtime help reduce stress and enhance well-being. Some ideas include writing in a favorite journal, enjoying an herbal bath with lavender or chamomile. Sip a relaxing blend of tea and curl up with your favorite book or do a few relaxing yoga poses to stretch and soothe the body and help tired and tense muscles relax.
Regular relaxation combats stress, improves health, heightens creativity and enhances our thinking processes. Peace begins at home, restore body, mind and spirit by taking time to honor yourself daily.
