RELAXATION: a guide for those on-the-go
So many of us find ourselves stressed out trying to check off our to-do list before the day ends. This is especially true after the holidays with travel plans, extra shopping to do, and cleaning up after special events. What we forget is that we need to prioritize time for ourselves to relax and decompress. Without taking time to relax, we stress our bodies by continuously releasing stress hormones which disrupt our endocrine system. This can fatigue us during the day, prevent us from sleeping well at night, and raise our blood pressure. Overall, stress is harmful to our health, so I've outlined a few Do's and Don't when it comes to de-stressing techniques even for the busiest of schedules.
DO
Remove clutter: Take a few hours this weekend to clean off your desk, your night table, and dig into those piles that have been building in your closet. You know, the one you keep adding to when you "clean" to get things off the floor... Be picky about what you keep! If you haven't used it in the last year, you probably don't need it. Even though the clutter may be out of sight and out of mind, this simple action will relieve the source of subconscious stress. Donate what you choose not to keep to a local charity. Not only will this reduce your overall stress level, but it will also benefit your community!
Journal: Set aside 5-10 minutes at the end of your day to record the day's events. Writing down what has happened helps you to process events, mentally let go of them, and move forward while leaving the residual stress behind. Those who journal regularly are not only less stressed, but they also experience improved memory, better self-discipline, and more self-confidence.
Stretch: This is a stress-reliever that I recommend to everyone. It can be done anywhere, anytime. Stretch when you wake up, on your lunch break, in your office, after your commute, or before bed. Deep breathing combined with stretching reverses the chemical effects of stress-induced hormones like cortisol by sending calming signals to your body. You'll sleep better, feel more alert during the day, and maybe get a little more flexible, too!
Morning routine: My personal favorite stress-relief tool is to add some leisure time to your morning routine. I like make myself a cup of coffee first thing in the morning, cozy back up underneath the covers, and drink my coffee. Once I've taken that time to myself, I feel prepared for the day. If I skip this morning ritual I find myself feeling the need to rush through my day. Start your day right, and the rest will follow.
Hobby: Find a hobby you enjoy, and the stress will dissipate naturally. This can be a sport, a creative endeavor, educational experiences, or any number of things. When we do something we enjoy, our brain releases a chemical called serotonin which decreases anxiety while contributing a feeling of well being. In addition, having a hobby can challenge those with overly-full schedules to re-evaluate and adjust their priorities to keep a healthier balance.
DON'T
Treat as a luxury: Relaxation is not just for vacations or for the wealthy. It should be a part of your lifestyle. Use any number of the above strategies to incorporate relaxation and self-care into your schedule.
Rely on unhealthy habits: If you don't give yourself time to relax, you may find that you become reliant on unhealthy habits. Needing that glass of wine or bottle of beer to "unwind" at the end of every day is a sign that you need to incorporate more relaxation in your life. These coping mechanisms do not address the underlying stress issue.
Always say "yes": Learn to value and prioritize your time. Always agreeing to what people ask of you will leave you with little time for your own needs. It's okay to say no!
I hope this has shed some light on your relationship with stress, good or bad. No matter how busy you are, it is so important to make time for relaxation. As an American culture, we often see simplifying our lives as defeat as if we will never be successful unless we accomplish everything. It's important to know that you have a right to your own pace of life and your own priorities. Now go live life a little less stressfully and a little more happily.