Relaxation is our body’s way of rejuvenating. Our brain and body need downtime to repair and restore. It has been shown that relaxing improves our mood, brain function and memory, releases tension and supports the body in returning to equilibrium.
It can be difficult to find time during the day to set aside for relaxation. Life is busy and if we find ourselves waiting for the perfect moment of calm to present a window for us to take a break, we may find that taking a break never happens.
Establishing a routine or scheduling time into your day for relaxation can be an effective strategy for prioritizing this time for yourself. Choose a form of relaxation that you enjoy, that gives you a sense of satisfaction and that you feel best relaxes both your body and mind. A great place to start is to make a list of activities that you enjoy that bring you relaxation, then add to that list some new strategies you would like to try. Once you have some strategies in mind take a look at your schedule to see where you can set aside the time. Play around with the timing, maybe it is in the morning today and at night tomorrow. Maybe it is a block of 5 minutes for some deep breathing, or an hour for walking in the trails. Find what works best for you.
Here are a couple of articles with some suggestions for ideas you might want to add to your list of ways to relax:
How to relax 8 relaxation tips for your mental health: Mind, the mental health charity
72 Fun Activities to Relax and De-Stress: Out of Stress
100 Ways to Relax, Unwind and Loosen Up: The Daily Mind
