When you're constantly on the go, sometimes it's hard to let yourself relax.
We get so caught up in the hustle and bustle of life, that we let the things that are going on around us cloud our minds and our schedules.
When we have days like these, letting our hair down may be the last thing on our agendas; but, it is so necessary. We often go through the motions and forget to slow down. We forget to relax and ultimately, we end up burning out. We end up lethargic, depressed, and overwhelmed by all of our responsibilities. This is what we have to make time to take a break both mentally and physically. Relaxing is key to a healthy life. It can do wonders for the mind, body, and soul.
I know, relaxing is something we "think" we all do. Coming home form work, taking a shower, watching TV, and just chilling; but, under the surface, our minds are constantly moving as we prepare for the next day. We aren't able to fully shut ourselves off and end up not really being able to decompress.
So, how do we relax?
If you're having a tough time figuring out exactly how to do this, here are 5 things to do to help you unwind.
Breathe - As simple as it may sound, breathing actually clears your mind. It allows you to center yourself and create a space where you can escape reality for a bit. Deep breathing exercises actually send messages to your brain to calm down and relax. If you're frazzled, anxious, or overwhelmed because you don't know how you're going to get everything done in 24 hours, just stop and exhale. For more impact, adding more contact such as placing your hand on your stomach while breathing is also a quick trick to help with relaxation.
Journal - When you have a lot going on, finding gratitude can be particularly difficult. So, having a reminder of all the good things in your life can truly turn your entire day around. If you're not a fan of journaling, take time to meditate on the things that are positive in your life. Not only can it change your mood, but it will also have you feeling way more relaxed and ready to conquer the world.
Bedtime Ritual - Making sure that you're in a good head space prior to going to bed is essential. Pick a few of your favourite things to do and create a personalized routine. This gives you a dedicated time to focus on you and your needs. In fact, a bedtime ritual can be something that you end up looking forward to every night!
Soak in Epson Salt - As much as we all love showers, running hot water in a bath filled with epson salt does wonders. Try not to do anything in the tub but close your eyes and enjoy the moment. This bath does wonders for the body as it relaxes muscles and stiff joints. You can even fix a cup of tea while soaking for additional methods to unwind.
Incense - For many years, incense has done wonders for unwinding the body. It is used to promote mindfulness, peace, inner-awareness and a connection with the world around you. Aromatic therapy boosts concentration and focus during any activity. It also calms the mind and promotes positive energy while subduing feelings of depression and anxiety. You can even pick your favourite scent!
So there you have it! 5 easy ways to help you unwind. Happy Relaxing!