For many of us, relaxation does not come naturally. We get into the momentum of life and let it carry us through. From work and school to family life and friendships, it can feel impossible to take any time for ourselves. However, self-care and relaxation are essential to our overall health and wellbeing. Read on to learn about how you can take more time to sit back and relax.
Start small with micro-breaks and mindful moments.
Don’t expect yourself to start out with 20-minute meditation sessions before work. Focus on taking short, mindful breaks. This can mean turning off notifications and closing your laptop for a few minutes before an important meeting. Maybe you try a different route on your daily walk to get some perspective. There are always ways to be more mindful, even if it’s just for a moment.
Schedule relaxation like any other appointment.
If you don’t carve out time to rest, your body will choose a time for you. Block out time for activities you find relaxing, like taking a bath or reading a new book. Try to spend this time away from screens and distractions so you can focus completely on what’s most important: you. Treat this as something you can’t miss unless there’s an emergency that demands your attention.
Find activities that truly help you unwind.
Do you ever start doing something you love, only to feel more stressed than you did before? It may take some trial and error, but see if you can find some activities that help you relax. That might be a crafty activity like diamond painting, or it may be something more active like a low-intensity yoga class. Find those activities, and do more of them!
Disconnect from technology for short periods.
We often underestimate how plugged in we are to the devices around us. Are you ever on your laptop and your phone at the same time while watching TV? Taking a few minutes away from technology can help you feel more centered and, as a result, more relaxed. This may take practice. Time yourself, and try to work up to taking more time completely unplugged—your nervous system will thank you.
Remember why you’re relaxing.
Relaxation can feel unproductive in our culture, but it’s a very useful tool! Consistently practicing relaxation techniques helps lower blood pressure, builds up your immune system and reduces your risk of stress-related diseases. You become more focused with reduced anxiety and depression. Since you’re feeling better, you’ll also become better at problem-solving and less burnt out. You may even notice your relationships improving over time.
Life can be hectic, especially when you’re going through changes like setting out on a weight loss journey. Taking time for yourself is key to working toward better physical and mental health. Remember, it’s your life, and your wellbeing is the first priority!
