No matter what your daily routine looks like, relaxation is an integral part of self-care. So much so that it may be the most important part.
Allowing yourself to relax fully can be difficult in our constantly connected world with increasingly demanding schedules and responsibilities. However, if you want to avoid sabotaging your health completely, you should find a way to relax.
However, not all relaxation techniques were made equal. Some relaxation techniques can do more harm than help.
Here are five relaxation techniques you should embrace and five you should avoid.
Embrace enjoying a good laugh.
Laughter truly is the best medicine, and that’s doubly true when it comes to relaxing. A good laugh not only has physical benefits, but it also increases your ability to feel happy and relaxed.
So, find something to laugh about because there’s no reason not to enjoy a good chuckle. Whether it’s spending time with your favorite funny movie or cracking jokes with friends and family, laughter is an incredible stress reducer everyone can benefit from.
Avoid stuffing yourself with junk food
Eating junk food, in general, is a bad way to relax. While you may feel temporarily relieved of stress after eating, it’ll quickly come back when you’re struggling with the consequences — like feeling lethargic and drained.
You can avoid this by eating healthier foods such as whole grains or low-fat dairy products, which help boost your brain’s serotonin levels.
Embrace going out into nature
Getting away from the hustle and bustle of your daily life is one of the best ways to relax. Doing so in nature can have an immediate calming effect on your body, mind, and soul.
You’ll feel rejuvenated when you’re out in the fresh air enjoying all that nature has to offer. It’s an easy way to relieve stress, enjoy yourself, and recharge your batteries.
Avoid indulging in drugs and alcohol
While alcohol and drugs can provide a quick fix and work as stress relievers in the short term, they can cause serious health issues in the long term.
This is especially true if you binge on drugs and alcohol in a short period of time, where you run the risk of overdose or alcohol poisoning. Avoid heavily indulging in these substances at all costs.
Embrace taking time to stop and meditate
Meditation is one of the best relaxation techniques anyone can embrace. It helps you clear your mind, relax your body and recharge better than any other form of self-care.
When you’re stressed, it’s often hard to focus on anything other than the stressor itself. Meditation incorporated with Asian balls provides a great way to escape from this endless loop by allowing you to relax and clear your mind.
Avoid endlessly browsing the internet or social media
We get it, everyone loves spending time on social media. However, this constant need for digital stimulation is among the worst ways to relax because it keeps you constantly connected and focused on keeping up with your friends instead of yourself.
It doesn’t help that many people unknowingly turn to social media when they want to avoid thinking about their problems, which only makes you feel more stressed in the end.
Embrace pampering yourself
Pampering yourself is always a great way to relax. It’s even more necessary if you’ve been having a hard time due to a traumatic life event like a death in the family.
Treating yourself to a massage, spa day, or even a bubble bath can help you feel more relaxed and recharged after a particularly trying time. If you are someone who wants to make your time in the shower even more relaxing then try using a shower steamer. You can find more information click here.
Avoid sleeping in late
While it’s certainly tempting to want to sleep in as a way to relax, it can do more harm than help. Getting more than ten hours of sleep can increase your risk of diabetes, anxiety disorders, and heart disease.
It’s best to stick to a consistent sleep schedule, even on the weekends or holidays.
Embrace socializing
Socializing is a great way to relax. It can reduce stress, boost your mood, and help relieve feelings of depression.
It doesn’t have to be anything major either. It could simply be going out to lunch or dinner with a friend or relative.
Avoid sitting on the couch all-day
It’s easy to let yourself get taken over by this habit when you have a lot on your plate at the moment. However, staying on the couch all day can be detrimental to your health in the long term because being inactive can cause obesity, heart disease, and an array of other ailments.
Instead of staying glued to the couch all day, try getting up and going for a quick 10-minute walk around the block.
Stress is a leading cause of many mental and physical health issues. It can negatively influence your mood, ability to focus, and overall sense of well-being.
Fortunately, there are many simple ways you can relax and reduce stress. You just have to be careful you don’t engage in any that can increase your stress.