It is so easy to get caught up in all of the noise of life. Juggling work, school, family obligations, a social life, and never ending To Do List can get on top of your shoulders from time to time and that means that finding time to truly relax can feel like an impossible task.
We’re not just talking about putting your feet up after a long day, either you have to find those little moments to disconnect and refresh, and as or does it make sound, a simple game of minesweeper or reading a chapter of your book can be one of the most effective things that you can do to start this process.
Unwinding at the end of a very long day takes a lot, and if it’s at the end of a long work week we’ve had a lot of pressure on yourself, you need to actually learn the art of unwinding. So, let us take you to school on exactly how you can do that.
Disconnect.
We’re in an age of constant notifications, social media updates and 24/7 connectivity. You can start small if you don’t want to put your phone down, by just turning off your social media notifications.
This way, you still have access to your apps when you want to access them, but you’re not constantly getting messages to tell you that you have a notification or that someone has liked your post or that someone has commented on what you said. It sounds like a challenge, especially when you like playing games like minesweeper on your phone, but taking breaks from your devices can have a huge effect on your mental well being in the most positive way.
Setting aside at least an hour a day to be tech free can make all the difference. That time after dinner and after the kids have gone to bed before you go to sleep can be used to read a book rather than scroll your phone.
Learn how to breathe.
Believe it or not, mindful breathing is one of the most effective and easiest relaxation techniques that you could use. It’s not just about deep or dramatic breath, though those can very much help you, but about focusing on the action of the rhythm of your breath and bringing your attention to the present moment.
To be mindful in your breathing, find somewhere comfortable, close your eyes and take slow deep breaths in through your nose. Now, exhale those breaths gently through your mouth and then repeat over and over until your muscles and your body feels relaxed and your mind feels clear.
Take a nature break.
The best way to truly relax is to reconnect yourself with nature. If we’re talking about unplugging yourself and disconnecting from technology, then plugging back into nature can make all the difference to how you feel. It doesn’t have to be anything immersive, and we’re not talking about jumping in the ocean at sunrise, so you can do that if you like.
What we mean is that a walk in the park, a hike in the woods, or just sitting outside in your backyard and appreciating the fresh evening air can really help you to feel like you are truly unwinding. You don’t have to have access to a park or hiking trail, you just have to spend time in the greenery, near water, or in the green spaces and this can be incredibly beneficial to you.
Enjoy a good book.
If we’re talking about the art of unwinding, then one of the best ways that you can do that is to dive into somebody else’s imagination. A book can really help you to reconnect with yourself but it can also really help you to unwind.
Taking your mind out of the harsh day of the office and being with kids all day long and putting it somewhere else will help you to feel like you are getting a grip back on your own reality. It sounds like an oxymoron, to get a grip on your reality by diving into somebody else’s, but a good book can really help to take you away.
Be gentle with your movement.
We all know the benefits of exercise, but when it comes to relaxation you don’t have to push yourself to any kind of limit. Instead of choosing an exercise that has your muscles screaming in response, gentle movements such as Tai Chi, yoga or even stretching can really help your mind and your body.
You’re looking to release tension from your muscles and in previous circulation, and these are the exercises you don’t try. They often come with a mindfulness component, too, so those deep breaths you’ve been practising will come to good use.
Start a creative hobby.
Often, drawing, painting, knitting, or even playing an instrument can be an excellent way to unwind. Creative hobbies give your mind a chance to focus on something both productive and enjoyable and, like playing a game of minesweeper, it’s about being in the moment.
You’re not thinking about deadlines or to do lists, and you don’t have to be perfect at your hobby to enjoy it, either. It’s all about trying something low pressure that could take your mind off of the beating drum of life and put it somewhere creative.
Give yourself a home spa day.
You don’t have to leave your house to enjoy a spa experience, you know. Creating your own relaxing spa day at home can really help you to dip a toe in the art of unwinding. This is not the kind of bath or shower that you need to have for hygiene purposes, but the type of deep bath with warm water that has essential oils and bath salts mixed in.
It has candles around the edge, soft music playing in the background, and a face pack ready for you to put on. Treating your skin and your body to something soothing and comforting that doesn’t involve you doing a shaving routine or a hair care routine can make all the difference to how you feel. This is all about slowing down and taking your time, without rushing through the process. Allow yourself to enjoy every step, from the soak to the aftermath.
Take a power nap.
Sometimes, one of the best ways that you can relax is to literally relax your mind and your body to recharge. Power naps are a good way to reset your energy levels, so aiming for short naps for around 15 to 30 minutes will help you to avoid grogginess.
Napping during the day has been shown to boost your mood, improve your alertness, and reduce your stress. Keep it a cosy, technology free environment by dimming the lights and snuggling under a blanket. You can then create a quieter environment for you to close your eyes and get some shut eye.
Practice gratitude.
To really capture the art of unwinding, focus on the things that are going well. It’s very easy to worry about all the little things in life, but it’s much harder to let it all go and be grateful for what you have.
Practicing gratitude has been shown to reduce your stress and improve your overall Wellness and happiness. Write down the things that you appreciate about your life such as your health and your friends, and shift your focus to the positives which will help you to ease your mind and bring you a sense of calm.