It sounds so easy, but in practice, it may be one of the most difficult things we ever have to do. We all know that relaxation and rest are important, but have you ever thought about how you can relax? It’s not necessarily about having a day off, because some people need to relax into enjoying time off. Let’s show you some simple ways to learn how to relax and do it properly.
Establishing a Ritual
If you think that all you need to do is just lie down and you will instantly relax, the fact is you’ve got to get yourself ready to relax. Much like going to sleep requires a good bedtime routine, learning to relax can involve you learning a practice to wind down. You could try a new habit that can act as a signal whether it’s a quick walk, a to-do list for the next day, or just lying down in your bed, whatever it is, it can be a gateway to getting into relaxation mode. When it comes to something like relaxation, don’t forget, your bed is one of those so important things. A mattress like the Puffy Mattress is an example where the quality of the mattress can get you into relaxation mode. But the most important thing to remember is that whether you are lying on your bed or not, sending a signal to your brain that it is time to unwind is only one piece of the puzzle; you actually need to dedicate yourself to it.
Be Intentional About Your Rest
Some people think that they just need a few minutes to do nothing and they are good to go! We all are guilty of being distracted in the modern world. Social media is the biggest culprit, but of course, we all think away. We spend time thinking about the things we need to do tomorrow and we aren’t intentional about being relaxed in the moment. Therefore, if you feel incredibly tense a signal to unwind is key, but you also need to ask yourself what you hope to get out of your relaxation every time you do it. It’s not just about resting or escaping problems; it can help to be very specific. For example, do you need to calm anxiety or do you need to feel ready to dive back into life after feeling incredibly refreshed? When you understand what you need to achieve, you will be more dedicated to it.
Schedule Time for Relaxation
As obvious as it sounds, you need to build up your relaxation muscles. Like anybody exercising benefits from doing it little and often to send that signal, the same thing occurs when you are relaxing. Rather than saving up all of your relaxation time for a day, take the opportunity to have a small moment to yourself where you are unwinding. Some people feel that they push themselves harder during the week so they feel they’ve earned the right to relax on the weekends, but this means we’ll run the risk of burning out. Little pockets of relaxation, such as having a cup of tea or a simple breathing technique can do a lot for us. When you have smaller pockets of relaxation in your life this means you’re practicing more but you are also going to feel better more consistently.