We all know relaxing and resetting our system can benefit how we feel and how well we work, but doing it just seems impossible sometimes. Here are eight easy ways to relax that you can do in just a few minutes.
1) Cuddle with a pet
If you have a pet, share a sweet cuddly moment with it. It will be mutually beneficial and is said to release the love and relaxation brain chemical oxytocin. This is a great way to feel intimacy and love and therefore to relax without relying on sometimes rather complicated human relationships.
2) Squeeze a stress ball
Giving a stress ball a good squeeze can really help you relax when you feel like you’re about to lash out. Take that frustration out on the ball. You can even make your own stress ball by filling a small balloon with flour and then tying it closed. A pillow can help as well.
3) Get some sun
Open up a window or take a step outside. Sunlight improves mood on a physiological level, especially for those who suffer from seasonal depression. Even working inside every day can promote negative feelings. So take a couple of minutes to work on your tan with protection. Of course.
4) Stretch it out
You don’t have to be a seasoned yogi to get some moves in. Flex your toes and legs when you’re sitting at your desk. Stretch your arms up when you stand or reach for your toes every hour. Keep a routine and you’ll be feeling loose in no time.
5) Shake it and be silly
Stress literally gets stuck in the body. Built up stress hormones, muscular tension and tight shallow breathing can prevent us from relaxing after even a mildly stressful event. Shaking is one of the natural ways your body rids itself of stress. Try it out and shake, jump and dance. If you are in a place where you feel self-conscious, go where you have more privacy and shake and be silly all the way you want.
6) Take a sniff
Essential oils are getting more and more popular right now. Among a myriad of benefits, some are also said to help with relaxation such as lavender, sandalwood, geranium or orange oil.
Simply put a few drops into a tissue and deeply breathe in or use a desktop diffuser. You can also try rolling on ‘Divine Flow’ – my popular essential oil blend made with extracts from sandalwood, flowers and herbs. That’s it. You can buy it in my shop.
7) Take a deep breath
The breath and mind activity are closely interconnected. Slow, deep breaths can help to relax the mind. For the fancy noses out there, try a yogic breathing method that involves breathing through one nostril at a time to relieve anxiety and stress and to calm the nervous system.
8) Eat a mango
This tropical fruit isn’t quite the same as a tropical vacation, but it does have some relaxing properties. A compound called Lilienthal found in mangoes has been proven to lower stress levels and promote relaxation. Try cutting one up to eat or adding it to a smoothie.
A healthy amount of stress is motivating, too much can be overwhelming and exhausting. How do you achieve a good balance between healthy stress and relaxation? Not always so simple. Taking just a few minutes per day, you can have a huge impact on your wellbeing and how you feel. Most of these tips can be done anywhere and you can adapt them each to your own needs.
Making yourself feel better is the first step to a better mood, better work and entirely better life.
