5 Tips To Help You Relax
As important as regular exercise and good nutrition is, many of us can find ourselves neglecting a very important aspect of a healthy lifestyle – rest. The pressures of a fast-paced work schedule alongside our daily efforts to make it to the gym, prep our food and get on with life in general, it can be difficult to switch off and actually take some time out to relax. That’s why I thought it would be a good idea to give you a few tips on how to wind down as well as explain the importance of lowering those stress levels.
When we become highly stressed, the levels of cortisol (the stress hormone) in your body will rise. High levels of cortisol on a daily basis can cause numerous psychological and physical problems such as anxiety, poor sleep, increased abdominal fat, low libido and impaired immune system function. Stress is not only caused by the typical lifestyle factors such as monetary, work and relationship worries but also by taxing the body via too much exercise, inadequate recovery and food intolerances. Trying to limit the stress in your life and by focusing on relaxing from time to time is key. If you’re struggling to do this then try implementing the following tips into your weekly routine for some guaranteed results.
ALLOCATE SOME TIME JUST FOR YOU
It’s easy to find yourself so wrapped up in life’s chaotic schedule that you forget to take some time out just to be by yourself. It’s inevitable that there will be work worries, children to look after, other people to focus on, but taking care of yourself is just as (if not more) important. If you’re always super busy then it can help to allocate a specific slot each day or week where you spend some time purely on yourself. This could be simply getting your hair done, going out for a coffee, reading your favourite magazine or listening to some music. Whatever it is, make sure it’s for you.
HAVE A BATH
Baths are a great way to get some serious relaxation going on. Throw in some great smelling bubbles, light a few candles, put on some calming music, lock the door and enjoy an hour of soapy goodness. It may even help those aches and pains after a busy week working those muscles in the gym.
READ
In the technology-obsessed world in which we live, people often forget the simple, pleasure of reading. Tucking into a good book can be the ultimate get-away. Escaping into another world and forgetting about our daily life worries can be the ultimate stress reliever. Try getting into bed half an hour earlier, turning off that screen and delving into a good old fashioned book. Let your imagination run wild until your eyes grow tired and you’ll soon be ready to drift off.
GO FOR A LONG WALK
Another underrated activity; walking is definitely a daily must-do. Not only is it a great way to increase your daily energy expenditure, but walking is also good for the mind. Getting out into the fresh air can help to clear away any negative thoughts, get rid of those built up worries and can give you an opportunity to think things over and put life into perspective. If you’re feeling stressed after a long day at the office, then put your walking shoes on and get to the local park for some nature therapy.
JUST, BREATHE
The most simple of things yet for some it is the most difficult. Feeling stressed can make you feel trapped and this in turn can make it very difficult to relax. Feelings of anxiety and panic can be eased almost immediately by taking control of your breathing. Focusing on inhaling and exhaling as you go through your daily routine. This will help you to control your heartbeat and put your mind in focus, helping to make everything else more manageable. The mobile app Headspace is fantastic for helping you achieve this sense of mindfulness.
As we all know, life can get extremely hectic sometimes and even though we try to keep our bodies healthy, missing out on the simplest of things such as learning to relax and recover can result in us creating further problems. By taking a few of these steps, you could be on your way to solving them.