With school, our jobs, our financial situation, our friends, and our family lives in constant demand of our time and energy - stress has become one of the biggest threats to our health. While regimented meditation practices are known to keep stress - and the many health issues that it can cause us - at bay, not everyone has the environment, time, or ability to find nirvana using these technique. So what are the rest of us to do? Not to worry - there is hope! Carving out a few short moments of true relaxation can deliver the same benefits as long-term, disciplined meditation sessions. Below you will find ten simple ways to relax for those of us who don't have the ability to live like a monk!
1. Hug someone. Giving a hug also means getting one! As long as it's from somebody you don't mind hugging you, this really can be relaxing. Try not to hug objects like pillows or your laptop. If you can't find a person to hug then maybe try a pet!
2. Change up your daily routine. Force yourself off of the beaten path! When we do new things - even such simple things as going home a different way, cooking something unfamiliar, finding a group of people who meet to do things we enjoy doing - we notice more beauty, and are able to enjoy a greater portion of our day.
3. Have a hot shower. It relaxes your muscles, and any break from more stressful activities can help too. Some find that an alternating hot and cold shower is even more relaxing.
4. Try watching your mind. Spot the stressors lurking just below the surface (hunger, worry, a phone call you need to make), and you can resolve them and feel more relaxed. If you practice this mindfulness exercise, it may become one of your favorite relaxation techniques.
5. Try laughing. The saying 'laughter is the best medicine' is there for a reason! Laughing will help you to relax and unwind. If you're struggling to find anything funny to laugh about, ask a friend for a good joke or a funny story! The internet is always a good source for jokes and other funny TV shows and movies which you can easily watch to get your funny bone going. You can also check out many shows by comedians on YouTube.
6. Listen to soft music. We all have different music that helps us relax. Be sure to keep a few tracks with you to listen to in your car after a rough day at work, in bed to help lull you into a deep sleep, or wherever else you find you need it.
7. Get out. The environment we're in can be a huge cause of stress if we allow a lot of negative energy to build up around us. Simply step outside the room and walk down a hallway, get outside during lunchtime for a short walk, or choose a different room where you can work, and you'll find yourself feeling refreshed.
8. Breathe deeply. Deep breathing is a quick fire meditation method, and can be extremely effective. Count slowly to five while inhaling through your nose, and do the same while breathing out. It helps to keep your eyes closed while doing this, as then you are solely focusing on your breath. Repeat this for as many times as you want to until you feel calmer - it works wonders!
9. Sip some herbal tea. There are many herbal teas out there - chamomile, lavender, and Valerian root are just a few. If you don't care for these, just trying a simple cup of non-caffeinated hot tea can be relaxing (add honey if you're feeling fun). Try using a straining ball with fresh herbs for the most flavor and potency.
10. Get some exercise. You don't have to be a gym rat to get your heart rate up enough to shed some stress. After a five or ten minute walk, bike ride, or even jumping jacks can find you in a completely improved head space. If you have time, try doing it in a lovely setting.
Perhaps the thought of the work you need to complete is really making you anxious or perhaps you just naturally seem to have an anxious personality. But whatever it is, the most important thing is to transform your feeling of stress one small step at a time. Take it slow. Start with one or two of the simple relaxation techniques above and then add a couple more as you master the first couple.
1. Hug someone. Giving a hug also means getting one! As long as it's from somebody you don't mind hugging you, this really can be relaxing. Try not to hug objects like pillows or your laptop. If you can't find a person to hug then maybe try a pet!
2. Change up your daily routine. Force yourself off of the beaten path! When we do new things - even such simple things as going home a different way, cooking something unfamiliar, finding a group of people who meet to do things we enjoy doing - we notice more beauty, and are able to enjoy a greater portion of our day.
3. Have a hot shower. It relaxes your muscles, and any break from more stressful activities can help too. Some find that an alternating hot and cold shower is even more relaxing.
4. Try watching your mind. Spot the stressors lurking just below the surface (hunger, worry, a phone call you need to make), and you can resolve them and feel more relaxed. If you practice this mindfulness exercise, it may become one of your favorite relaxation techniques.
5. Try laughing. The saying 'laughter is the best medicine' is there for a reason! Laughing will help you to relax and unwind. If you're struggling to find anything funny to laugh about, ask a friend for a good joke or a funny story! The internet is always a good source for jokes and other funny TV shows and movies which you can easily watch to get your funny bone going. You can also check out many shows by comedians on YouTube.
6. Listen to soft music. We all have different music that helps us relax. Be sure to keep a few tracks with you to listen to in your car after a rough day at work, in bed to help lull you into a deep sleep, or wherever else you find you need it.
7. Get out. The environment we're in can be a huge cause of stress if we allow a lot of negative energy to build up around us. Simply step outside the room and walk down a hallway, get outside during lunchtime for a short walk, or choose a different room where you can work, and you'll find yourself feeling refreshed.
8. Breathe deeply. Deep breathing is a quick fire meditation method, and can be extremely effective. Count slowly to five while inhaling through your nose, and do the same while breathing out. It helps to keep your eyes closed while doing this, as then you are solely focusing on your breath. Repeat this for as many times as you want to until you feel calmer - it works wonders!
9. Sip some herbal tea. There are many herbal teas out there - chamomile, lavender, and Valerian root are just a few. If you don't care for these, just trying a simple cup of non-caffeinated hot tea can be relaxing (add honey if you're feeling fun). Try using a straining ball with fresh herbs for the most flavor and potency.
10. Get some exercise. You don't have to be a gym rat to get your heart rate up enough to shed some stress. After a five or ten minute walk, bike ride, or even jumping jacks can find you in a completely improved head space. If you have time, try doing it in a lovely setting.
Perhaps the thought of the work you need to complete is really making you anxious or perhaps you just naturally seem to have an anxious personality. But whatever it is, the most important thing is to transform your feeling of stress one small step at a time. Take it slow. Start with one or two of the simple relaxation techniques above and then add a couple more as you master the first couple.
About the Author:
HelpMeToStudy.org is the best resource for learning new study skills, transforming your study habits and discovering the best study tips available. We will help change the way you think about study - and even better - we will show you how to study effectively: How To Study Effectively | How To Get Better Grades
No comments:
Post a Comment