No Need to Stress. Try These 5 Practices to Unwind and Relax
Hello, relaxation. Goodbye Stress.
Written by Shandel Walker
Your inbox is full of unread emails; the neighbors are blasting their music again, and your toddler asked for another snack for the 100th time today. It's safe to say you are at your wit's end and in need of a much-needed escape. The craziness that is the world leaves many of us busy, overwhelmed, and stressed—with no time to unplug and take a break. In case you forgot, you deserve some quiet alone time to recharge and feel like yourself again. Keep reading to learn about five ways you can unwind and relax.
Immerse Yourself in Nature
According to research spending, at least an hour in nature can have significant benefits on your well-being. Are you running outside yet? If you live in a big city, immersing yourself in nature may seem impossible. Although nature may be scarce in the city, we assure you it can be found. Visit your local park, watch the birds, travel to the nearest beach, collect some seashells or volunteer at a community garden, and channel your inner green thumb. The point is to get lost in the moment and enjoy mother natures beauty.
A Soothing Scalp Massage
Do you feel like you're all over the place and considered pulling your hair out to deal. We suggest giving yourself a head massage instead. A scalp massage is a great way to reduce stress and help you relax with ease. Massaging your head for at least 10 minutes a day can calm tensed muscles around the face. In case you forgot, scalp massages are free! So get your kids to bed, pour yourself a glass of wine, turn the lights down low, put on your favorite tunes and get to massaging your head.
Get Creative
Remember the last interview you did, and you bragged about being a great multitasker. Well, Flexing your creative muscles is a great way to unwind, relax, and let off some steam. Dance like no one is watching, write a short story, or paint a picture. Don't focus too much on the end result; instead, use this creative time as an excuse to escape and forget about your worries. Right now is all about you having fun.
Drink Some Tea
Herbal teas such as kava, passionflower, and valerian root are known to have calming properties that can help with anxiety and stress. Turn off your phone, brew yourself a nice warm cup of tea, light a candle, get cozy under the covers, and close your eyes. Allow yourself to drift off into a deep, peaceful sleep.
Say No!
Yes, you read that correctly. Say no. Unknowingly our busy schedules get away from us and can explode in our faces. However, creating healthy boundaries can ensure you're putting your well-being first and not striving to be a people-pleaser. Know your limits. So don't be afraid to say no. You're one person; you can't do it all. Remember your happiness is a priority.
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