There is no doubt that in today’s society most people are living pretty busy lives. The idea of free-time or downtime can often feel like some distant concept that will never quite be within your reach. Working multiple jobs, dealing with work and personal commitments, carting the kids from one activity to the next, and just always being on the go can seem like the norm.
The fact that more people than ever before are feeling stressed out isn’t just a notion. Statistics show this increase is fact. The amount of people who suffer from anxiety, depression, and stress has grown and, unfortunately, serious issues like mental illness are on the rise.
So, what can you do to stop the cycle? How can you start to bring a little relaxation and peacefulness back into your life and ensure it stays a priority? It can be difficult to know what steps to take and what will be effective, which is why this guide can prove to be so helpful.
Learn to Focus on One Thing at a Time
A great place to get started in your quest to bring relaxation into your life is to learn how to focus on only one activity, errand, chore, or engagement at once. When you are trying to juggle a bunch of things at the same time, nothing will get your full attention, and it can leave you feeling scattered.
For example, let’s say you are in the middle of playing with the kids, but your mind is busy thinking about that presentation at work tomorrow. Are you really giving the kids your full attention? Probably not, which then means you’re not living in the moment and allowing yourself to be your best at that moment. In order to give an activity, a task, or a person your absolute best, you need to give your absolute fullest. The whole concept of “living in the moment” is something that holds a lot of weight and substance.
Find Activities that You Can Enjoy on Your Own and With Others
Part of being able to relax means that you will sometimes want to do an activity on your own, and then other times you’ll want to be with others and engage with them. Having a list of activities that you enjoy on your own, as well as others, is another great step.
As far as your solo activities go, these are things you can do that you know relax your mind and body, can help you to take that break mentally, and can be either quick little things or longer activities. Perhaps vaping is something that you find brings instant relaxation to your body. This is something you can do in a variety of places and doesn’t take up a big chunk of your time. Thanks to the variety of e-liquid flavors that are available at places such as Vape In The Box, there’s a good chance you can find one that suits your current mood.
As for activities you can enjoy with others, this can include things like watching a TV show or movie together, playing a board game, taking a walk through the neighborhood, sharing a meal together, etc. It doesn’t have to be anything big or elaborate; the focus is on the fact you are with someone else, or with multiple people, sharing an activity together.
Regular Daily Exercise Can Make All the Difference in the World
If you’re the type that sees the words “regular daily exercise” and you instantly start cringing because you don’t have the time, don’t enjoy working out, or don’t have the desire to join a gym, it’s time to re-program how you view exercise. Sure, exercise can be seen in the traditional way, which means joining a gym and hitting it up for an hour or more each and every day, but it can also mean other things.
Regular daily exercise means you are doing an activity that gets your heart rate elevated, and that you do for at least 30 consecutive minutes. What this means is that all kinds of things can count as regular daily exercise. Things like taking the dog for a walk, gardening, house chores, taking a dance class, going for a hike in the woods, playing hide and seek with the kids, and so forth. It’s all about getting into the habit of getting your body up and moving on a daily basis.
Exercise is not only good for your physical well-being; it is also a proven stress-reliever. It can work to better your mood and increase your self-confidence. It will increase the amount of endorphins (the feel-good neurotransmitters) that your body is creating, and it can be as powerful as meditation from a stress-relief stand-point. If you’ve had a really tough day at work, try going for a brisk walk or jog when you get home and you’ll be amazed at how that can clear your mind.
Be Mindful of What You Eat
Obviously, you want to be sure you are eating a well-balanced diet that consists of all the necessary vitamins, minerals, nutrients, and calories your body needs, but outside of that, there are also a number of foods that have been shown to help with stress relief.
Here are some of the best foods you can grab when you’re feeling stressed out and overwhelmed.
- Green leafy vegetables such as spinach are able to produce dopamine, which is a pleasure-inducing chemical in the brain.
- Bananas and avocados can help to lower blood pressure, which can spike when you are feeling stressed.
- Turkey breast can create a sense of calmness and happiness, which before bedtime can really help you to sleep better as well.
- Fatty fish such as tuna, sardines, and salmon can help you feel calm and serene.
Relaxation Isn’t Impossible to Come By
As you rush around from one activity, task, and commitment to the next telling yourself that you will just never be able to relax, it’s important to understand that it is possible, no matter how busy you may be. It’s all about finding tips and techniques that work for you and that you get into the habit of using on a daily basis.