Do You Ever Completely Relax?
By Sandy Schroeder
Sometimes we are so busy there simply is no time to relax. Then when we do break away, it is very hard to unwind. If that sounds all too familiar to you, you might consider just how much relaxation does to relieve stress to maintain your physical and mental health. Stress can claim your mind, body and soul if you let it.
Researchers have found ongoing stress slows the brain and increases the risk for heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure and dementia. The body simply cannot withstand a constant flood of stress. Eventually health fails in one way or another.
But there are ways to change the flow, such as these from bustle.com.
Take a Close Look at Your Schedule
Find the little pockets of extra time. Some mornings you could start a half an hour earlier, using that time to exercise or meditate. At lunch, instead of eating at your desk, taking a deli lunch to the park. Fitting in an hour after work to go for a long walk could help you enjoy the evening to follow.
Say No Loud and Clear
Busy people automatically take on extra projects. Whenever they are asked to do more, they do it! The next time someone asks you to do something that will cause overload, simply think of something relaxing that you could be doing instead, and politely say no.
Put Your Electronics On a Leash
When we do take a small break, we do it by simply browsing through our email. Set up specific times to browse email and return calls. Then use the extra time to really relax as you step outside for a walk, or enjoy coffee with a friend.
Never Forget to Laugh
Even in the most hectic schedules there are funny moments. When you see them, share them with everyone. Laughter releases tension and lets the whole body take a break. The aftermath of a shared laugh will give your whole group some much needed new energy.
Discover the Power of Your Breath
Wherever you are, at your desk, in a meeting, or starting the day, if you can feel the tension rising, take a deep slow breath through your nose and then release the breath through your nose. Count to two, inhale again and repeat. As you pause you will feel your body relax.
Try a few of these relaxation techniques and see what works best for you. Whatever you do to dial back the stress will go a long way to maintain your health and your happiness. Later, you might wonder why you didn’t start to relax sooner.