Today is National Relaxation Day. A day to help us lean into relaxing or remind us to do more relaxing! It’s hard for so many to simply relax. What is is that stresses us out so much that something as small as relaxing becomes a chore?
Life is Full of Stress
We are more inclined to pay attention to the stress that we have around us. We pay attention to the stress in our bodies, minds, and emotions. It’s hard to live a life that doesn’t get affected by any stress. So how do you relieve stress so you can even tap into being able to relax?
Stress Reliever
Everyone is not going to be able to relive their stress in the same way. Here are simply some suggestions to help the onset of stress:
- Decrease caffeine
- Decrease alcohol intake
- Use a sleep schedule
- Eat healthier meals
- Get a therapist and be consistent
- Listen to podcast/favorite musical artist
- Use essential oils
- Light a candle
- Increase workouts
- Consider supplements
- Talk/call a friend or trusted family member
- Read a book
The Art of Relaxing
Relaxing should become or start to become apart of your life. This is why I encourage daily self-care. Self-care is essential to good mental wellness. There is an art of making sure you put yourself first beyond any title or responsibility you have. Trust me being present in each area of your life is key. Balancing or simply finding ways to be intentional is going to help in the long run!
Ways to Relax
Everyone relaxes differently. I may like naps but you prefer an active activity. It’s okay to pick and choose what’s best for you! For instance while we were away on vacation, I wanted to lay out at the pool and listen to music. My husband wanted to sit in the hot tub. The kids wanted to be in the pool. Thankfully the Cartoon Network Hotel was set up to do it all! I’ve never felt the need to relax the same way that others do and this is why I strongly encourage solo trips.
Individuality
Knowing yourself is so important. I wish someone would have encouraged me in my early 20s to do just that. All of mistakes made trying to be a cookie cutter version of what everyone wanted me to be. I needed to be the church going woman my church family needed me to be. I was trying to be the sexy vixen my boyfriend wanted me to be. The amazing academic student college needed me to be.
The supportive sister and family member that was pulling on me. If I could have just disconnected from a few folks and walked in who I needed to be my 20s would have had some setbacks but it would have been on my terms. Being a chameleon and fitting into everyone’s box never works!
Being Able To Stop
Like most people having your mind racing is enough to not be able to tap into relaxation. I’ve been noticing my husband physically doing this. He’s face and mind are not at peace. So we have been doing a check in with one another. This is a great way to mind dump! Being honest with one another to help one another achieve their greatness! If you’re single doing a physical mind dump is great too. This can be done by using an App to write things down, or as simple as own and paper!
Separating Your Have to From Your Want to
I have a guest coming up on Conversations with Toi. She spoke about giving me outside permission. We don’t do enough of that. We don’t give ourselves permission to enjoy this life that we are building. What’s the point of building what you cant simply participate in! Take that trip! Take that time for yourself. Eat the cake! Drink the glass of wine! Buy that item you have been eyeing for awhile now! Life isn’t just for being on the sidelines of it all-live it!
So today on National Relaxation day, what are you planning to do with your time? Visit that coffee shop on your list? Visit with that friend or family? Plan a staycation? Let your hair down? Stay in bed a little longer? Rest your mind? Do it! Indulge-enjoy! Happy National Relaxation Day!! Take a deep breath, turn the music up a bit. Get a bubble bath-life won’t be magically “fixed” but for just a moment-enjoy yourself!
