Relaxation Activities
No matter how busy you are, you should always make a little time for yourself. Whether it's taking the time to sip your favorite tea out on the porch, or getting a hot stone massage, take the time to enjoy some blissful alone time. Hanging with friends also counts! We have listed some of our favorite things we love to do to get us re-charged.
Take a nap! Aren't those the nicest words you've ever heard? Not getting enough sleep can really harm our overall health. You've heard of the standard 8 hour rule, right? Well, yes it's true and we must try our best to get close to an 8-hour sleep as possible every night. If you get less than that, then take the time out of your busy schedule to take a quick 20-30 min nap. Your mind and body will thank you!
Did you know that 28% of Americans haven't read a book in the past year? A well written novel can transport you to other realms while an engaging article can distract you and keep you in the present moment, letting tensions drain away and allowing you to relax. So, grab that book that you've tucked away in your drawer, or go shop for a new one.
Go shopping! Researchers have found "retail therapy" a common coping mechanism for stress. You can totally do this on your own, or plan a shopping date with some friends. There's no need to max out credit cards to enjoy a nice stroll at the mall. If you can't fit a shopping trip in your budget at the moment, you can simply browse while sipping on your favorite latte.
Go for a walk. We're sure you know the numerous benefits of working up a sweat. When you go for a graceful walk around the neighborhood or park, you are getting your heart rate up and your body is releasing endorphin's. With high levels of endorphin's, our bodies feel less pain and fewer negative effects of stress. Even if you only have 20 minutes to spare, go for a walk!
Lastly, meditate. Meditation is a great tool to connect with your thoughts and de-stress the mind and body. Meditation not only lowers blood pressure but can also amp up your immune system while improving your ability to concentrate! If you have no idea how to meditate, there are numerous instructional videos on the web available for free! Give it a try.
What are some of your favorite stress relief activities?
Photos provided by: Google.com
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