The Art of Relaxation
Have you ever noticed when you go on holidays it can take a few days to relax & unwind?
The art of relaxation isn’t always as easy as it seems to many people. Many people struggle to relax or switch off from the many pressures and demands of daily life.
The modern world is often fast paced, we’re constantly connected via our devices, many of us face family and work commitments that keep us on the go.
The problem is, when we are constantly placed under stress there is a rise in our ‘fight or flight’ hormones. When cortisol is released consistently it puts us at greater risk for some serious health problems, increased weight gain, chronic muscle tension, insomnia, anxiety and depression to name a few.
Relaxation is similar to learning to meditate; it takes consistency and practice.
Here are six tips to incorporate more relaxation.
1. Practice belly breathing
Mindful breathing is a great technique for calming the mind. Start with taking slow deep breaths, moving the air into your diaphragm and expanding your belly. Once the belly has expanded with air, slowly exhale. Repeat this process during times of stress or make mindful breathing a habit.
2. Spend time in nature
Reconnecting with nature and spending time outside has been proven to reduce stress levels, feelings of isolation and anxiety. Spend time sitting in the garden or at the beach. Listen to your senses and what you can hear, see and smell around you, leaves rustling, the trees blowing in the wind or the waves crushing at the ocean.
3. Write down your thoughts
Best way to clear your mind is to write it down, get it out of your head and on to paper!
4. Find your happy place
Everyone has something that makes them happy, it might be spending time with family, going out for a nice meal, going for a run, doing a craft or reading a book. Whatever your happy place looks like, spend more time immersed in it!
5. Regular massage
Everyone benefits from a massage! Proven to reduce our stress levels and induce a deeper state of relaxation. So why not make a regular appointment to have a massage!
6. Magnesium
Magnesium salts reduce the impact of the release of cortisol. Introducing magnesium to a bath or a foot bath is a great way to reap the benefits of the relaxing effects of magnesium on the nervous system.