Why it is important we learn how to relax properly.
Ever wondered why when you take a summer holiday after about 4 or 5 days you begin to feel unwell or get cold symptoms and just generally feel under the weather?
This is a sign that you have been pushing your body and mind to the limit with very little moments of relaxation in between. Our bodies aren’t designed to operate at a high pace all of the time. It needs rest to function at an optimum level. If this doesn’t happen regularly then when a vacation or retreat comes long our bodies flip into a state of vulnerability.
But how do you relax properly? I don’t just mean the odd half hour here and there. What is it exactly that we need to be more aware of to encourage our bodies to recognise the signs of relaxation in a healthy way, so that when we do take a break our bodies are familiar with the changes, and it can respond in a positive way.
Sometimes it can be about looking at writing down areas in our life that we feel leave us exhausted and stressed. Think of it like a pie chart with lots of slices. Identify which are your largest slices and look at how you can adapt or change this to become smaller. For example, could it mean doing a little bit of ground prep the night before so that you have everything ready for the next day. Look at what time you rise or go to bed, could these be moved forward by half an hour to see how you feel. Does it make getting out of the door less rushed and stressed?
How about meal/snack planning? Sunday evening chopping up fresh peppers and carrots to be on hand to make a quick healthy on the go snack. Dust off the slow cooker to create a healthy evening meal. Slow cookers aren’t just seasonal for the winter. I find that come late summer into early autumn mine is a life saver, with easy Bolognese, vegetable chilli, soups and stews means that a little prep ensures that when I am tired at the end of a busy day I’m not reaching for the quick and easy processed fix.
Set the tone in your bedroom and bathroom with pretty plants, nice soaps and fresh fluffy towels. Create a mini spa environment to signal a transition from work into winding down mode.
Grab a journal or some nice stationery to write down thoughts, ideas, and feelings. It allows you to dump what is whirling around your head. It helps bring clarity and can sometimes give you insight into resolving problems.
The above are but a few ideas that can allow you to ease up the burden of what a busy life brings. Deeper relaxation can be achieved through meditation or immersion in nature. Basically an environment that doesn’t offer sensory overload or a call to action such as shopping!
Apps are a great way to chill out from hectic times. Plus they are good if you find just sitting quietly difficult. A current favourite of mine is this app from Meya, they offer guided meditation as well as a variety of meditation and lifestyle levels that work on the brains beta patterns helping the brain to relax and tune in to its natural rhythm. Their quality of music is bliss. https://welcometomeya.com
By finding pockets of time to incorporate relaxation into your daily life, could help your body recognise the signals of what it means to relax so that when you next take a vacation or mini break it those signals are positive as opposed to a body & mind that has been overworked which will just collapse with relief when offered a chance to rest and do nothing. Which means the immune system is lowered and not at its best so any viruses can happily walk right in and make themselves at home.
Balance is key here. Find yours by starting a journal today and tracking how you feel. Where are you over extending yourself energy wise? How can you carve out solo time? Look at ways to make this happen and you’ll see an improvement in your wellbeing. Be gentle with yourself and take it slowly until it forms into a habit that you’ll love.