Finding time to relax often seems impossible to us, because we are mistakenly convinced that for quality relaxation you need at least a few free hours and money.
Meanwhile, for complete and quality relaxation, even a dozen minutes spent properly and wisely is enough. In this article we will suggest how to relax quickly and without additional costs.
Meditation
Meditation is a great way to relax, as confirmed by numerous studies. A few mantras a day can lower stress levels and improve your mood. So find a quiet, comfortable place, focus on your breathing and push away your anxiety!
Warm bath
If you’ve had a rough day at work, take a warm bath! According to the National Institutes of Health, a warm bath can get the blood flowing well, thus relieving tension and joint and muscle pain. And the less pain and tension in the body, the more the mind calms down. You can add scented salts, your favorite essential oil or flower petals to your bath.
Deep breaths
Breathing – what could be easier? Deep breathing is one of the best ways to deal with stress. When we are anxious and tense, our breathing becomes short and labored, so by taking deep breaths, you can provide the brain with enough oxygen. This in turn stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system, which slows the heartbeat, lowers blood pressure and heart rate, increases stomach activity and relaxes some abdominal muscles.
Self-massage
Give yourself a hand massage to instantly relax and calm your heartbeat. Apply cream or oil to your hands and give a good massage to the muscle near your thumb to release tension from your shoulders, neck and head. A head massage is also extremely relaxing – you can use a special massager for it to make it even more enjoyable.
Dance
Dance to your favorite music! Studies suggest that people who dance have a better mood and are more resilient to stress. Style doesn’t matter – dance the way you like and feel! This way you will release tension and activate the production of endorphins in your body. Besides, dancing is a great workout for the heart.
Aromatherapy
Soothing aromas can help relieve stress and anxiety by stimulating receptors located in the nose and connected to the part of the brain responsible for emotions. Simply apply a few drops of your favorite oil to the palm of your hand and inhale deeply. The scent of coffee or citrus, as well as flowers, is also relaxing.
Animals
After a hard and stressful day, give your furry friend a hug and your mouth will start smiling on its own. Pets have been proven to boost the owner’s self-esteem, and stroking them reduces stress and tension. Even simple eye contact with a pet can raise levels of the hormone oxytocin, which has an anti-stress effect.
Laughter
Laughter is healthy and an effective way to deal with stress. Science has proven it. Hysterical laughter speeds up blood circulation and strengthens the immune system. Therefore, always have something on hand that makes you laugh.
Kissing
According to research, kissing can help lower cortisol levels in the blood. So if you have a loved one on hand, kiss them! It may help you both relax.
Tensing and relaxing your muscles
In one Irish clinic, the fight against stress includes special exercises that involve gradually tensing and relaxing certain muscle groups, starting with the toes. Tense the toes for 5 seconds, then slowly relax them and repeat on other parts of the body.
main photo: unsplash.com/Roberto Nickson
