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On August 15, celebrate a day dedicated to chilling out. With these relaxation tips, you might be surprised how much you benefit from some me-time.
National Relaxation Day was created in 1985 by a 9-year-old Michigan boy who believed people “think too much about working” and that “people don’t think enough about relaxing.” For the past 35 years, August 15 has marked this celebration of leisure. For the upcoming 36th anniversary of the holiday, let’s take a closer look at why relaxation is not just fun, but fundamental to your overall wellbeing. Then, you can turn this once-a-year event into a daily routine.
Mental and physical health benefits of relaxation
Taking a step away from the rigors and demands of your everyday life can have a profoundly positive effect on your mood, energy, and stability. In fact, Mayo Clinic suggests regularly engaging in a relaxing activity as one of their six top strategies for avoiding job burnout, one of the most common and most difficult mental health struggles that working people face.
Limiting your stress through practicing intentional relaxation can also help you:
Manage your blood pressure
Fall asleep more easily
Avoid stress-related afflictions like ulcers
Have a decreased likelihood of smoking or obesity
Improve your immune system
Three tips to help you actively de-stress
So you’ve decided to incorporate a little more relaxation into your life. Okay, what next?
Getting to a relaxed state of mind isn’t something that just happens to you. Paradoxically, learning to appreciate relaxation can actually take a little bit of work. These three tips will make that effort easier and help you incorporate de-stressing techniques into your daily routine.
1. Remember that relaxation is me-time
Me-time doesn’t actually have to do with being alone versus in a group of people; you can definitely relax with partners, friends, and families! Instead, me-time is an important descriptor that helps you identify why you’re doing something, not just who you’re doing it with.
However you choose to relax, make sure you’re pursuing that activity purely for your own enjoyment. Something that seems relaxing on the outside can still be stress-inducing if you have ulterior motives to worry about. For example, writing music won’t be relaxing if you’re doing it on a tight deadline as part of your job. Me-time activities shouldn’t be strongly linked to your career goals or daily responsibilities.
2. Go in with a plan
Do you know what definitely won’t help you de-stress? Frantically trying to figure out how you should relax during your lunch hour, after work, or on the weekend. Thinking forward to your free time, consider some methods for relaxing that you might enjoy. This will help you take full advantage of the moment when it arrives.
There are an infinite number of ways to relax because everyone has different interests and skills. Here just a few that you might enjoy:
Meditation – Whether it’s a guided group class or a solo session out in nature, meditation can help you achieve a relaxing reset.
Yoga – Establish a strong mind-body connection by combining inner focus with physical stamina.
Exercise – Getting active will help you feel happier, more energetic, and less stressed. It’s a fun way to challenge yourself and build discipline.
Reading – A great story can transport you from your current reality and let you explore someone else’s for a while. You might even learn something incredibly valuable along the way. Plus, it’s always fun to read books that are being adapted into film this summer.
3. Join a community that will help you relax year-round
Who you choose to relax with is just as important as the activity you pursue. Often, friendships and relaxation go hand-in-hand. Finding groups to share your hobbies and socialize with will help you achieve a relaxed state of mind more frequently. Carrying those good feelings into your daily life makes it much less difficult to handle your job and other responsibilities.
If you don’t find a group near you engaging in your particular interests, you can easily create your own Meetup group and invite others to actively de-stress together.
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