Stories

Relaxation is a feeling most crave but many leave by the wayside, opting to prioritize productivity. Today’s fast-paced world often makes us forget that (though seemingly counterintuitive) taking breaks boosts work output. Periods of rest allow us to decompress, offering a multitude of benefits from honing focus and boosting confidence to improving digestion and lowering blood pressure.* National Relaxation Day reminds us that through meditation and leisure, we can slow down, take a breath, and enjoy today for a better tomorrow.

Mindfulness and mental exercises are often the foundation of relaxation. Grounding yourself in the present by focusing your senses on your surroundings helps lower stress levels, and—as an added bonus—you can practice it anywhere. Whether you’re easing into your day with morning coffee or waiting for the train during your homeward commute, you can center yourself in the moment. Guided imagery is the opposite of mindfulness but serves as another powerful relaxation tool. Picture yourself in a serene environment and create a clear mental image by including details from all of your senses. By mentally transporting yourself to a tranquil setting, you can find a respite from the chaos in your life. Meanwhile, breath focus combines mental and physical exercises to ease tension. Taking long, deep breaths and exhaling slowly helps reset your body, especially if your attention is on the air flowing through your lungs instead of the worrying distractions surrounding you.**

Leisure is another aspect of relaxation, but it can look different from person to person. While one may enjoy running as a calming haven indicative of freedom and exhilaration, another may experience it as a sensory overload with too much sweat and discomfort. Finding your outlet may take trial and error. Physical activity has a myriad of health benefits, but if you hate every second of it, you’re not going to relax. Puzzles, gardening, or playing an instrument can help refocus your energy just as well as walks, biking, or a trip to your favorite nature trails. With an overwhelming number of possibilities, how do you pick one? Narrow your scope by asking the question: Where does my mind clear easiest? Overstimulation is rampant with information bombarding our brains from all around, especially as technology evolves and makes way for new advertising methods such as TV at the gas pump. Picking the right environment – whether outdoors or inside, quiet or lively, warm or crisp – guides your decision. Once you know where, finding your “what” becomes easier. Maybe you like to be outside, but you’re exhausted from the day and don’t want to walk. Instead, consider floating in the pool or watching the sunset. But sometimes every decision feels overwhelming. In that case, make a list of the things that help you unwind, write them on pieces of paper, and put them in a jar. When it’s time to relax, simply shake the jar and pick a slip.

You don’t have to wait until your next vacation to add relaxation to your life. In fact, taking time for yourself each day (even couple of minutes) can enhance productivity and prevent burnout. The responsibilities of adulthood often make us forget the value of taking a break. Use meditation and leisure to create a better work-life balance.

Sources:

*Mayo Clinic

**Harvard Health