10 tips to relax
Relax, take a breath. People often think that they need to spend hours in a spa or weeks on vacation to relax. It may be quicker than you think! Each of the following 10 tips can help you relax in less than 15 minutes. Choose 1 each day!
1. Breathe deeply
Take a 5-minute break to concentrate on your breathing. Close your eyes; sit up straight, and put one hand on your belly. Slowly breathe in through your nose and feel the air throughout your abdomen. Then, slowly breathe out through your mouth. Take 10 deep breaths!
2. Meditate
You can reduce anxiety simply by spending a few minutes meditating per day. It is easy to do! Sit up straight with both feet on the ground. Then, close your eyes and focus your attention on silently repeating a positive sentence; for example, “I am a good person” or “I feel peaceful.” Synchronize your sentence with your breathing.
3. Focus on your senses
Throughout the day, try to focus on your senses and sensations. For example, try to feel the air on your face in the street; try to catch the nice smells near the flower shop or the bakery; enjoy the taste of each mouthful of food; pay attention to the birds when they sing… When you manage to feel the moment and focus on your 5 senses, you should feel less stressed.
4. Talk to your friends
It is always a good idea to share your feelings with friends. They will help you handle stress, and they can give you an external point of view. In addition, you will keep your social network strong! It is always better to meet your friends in person. Why not meet at a restaurant or coffee shop?
5. Become aware of your whole body
Another good stress-relieving exercise consists of lying on your back and spending 5 minutes mentally scanning your body. You can start from your toes and move up to the top or your head and try to become aware of each part of your body. Repeat this process from your head down to your toes.
6. Laugh
What is a better way to relax than laughing openly? It has been shown that laughing could lower the stress hormone cortisol. It could also increase endorphins, which will help you feel better! Watch your favorite comedy on TV!
7. Turn on some music!
Many researches have demonstrated a link between listening to music and stress reduction. You can easily find relaxing songs or nature sounds on the Internet. When listening to this music, pay attention to each instrument separately, the different melodies, etc.
8. Start moving
Physical exercise can reduce stress and anxiety. And good news, it is not mandatory to be a runner to be relaxed! A short walk every evening with your dog or performing some stretching exercises could already help you reduce your daily stress.
9. Relax
Take 10 minutes to decompress after your day. Lie down on your bed; put a warm towel around your neck and shoulders. Then, close your eyes and relax all of your muscles. You can then use a tennis ball to massage your neck to remove any remaining tension.
10. Be positive
It is a good idea to keep a list of all the positive things in your life. You can use a diary to remind yourself of all the great times you have had with your friends, all the positive emotions, and all of your successes. When you feel stressed, just read your diary.
