Relaxation is easy for some individuals, while others find it hard to maintain a relaxed lifestyle in the day to day hustle and bustle.
If you are taking care of your family, working full-time, or going to school, time can seem to evaporate.
But taking good care of your mind and body will make a prominent change in your busy life. By putting aside time to breathe, rest, exercise and relax, you can enjoy life more.
As Finals season rolls in for students, indulging in some “me time” is still important in between cram sessions. It may take a little extra effort, but it is worth it.
Stop and breathe
I know it sounds silly, but breathing is so important. Have you ever realized that you breathe when you are relaxed? Sometimes in the midst of day to day life, we take our breathing for granted. By doing breathing exercises, it makes your body feel as if you are relaxed, even if you aren’t actually. Breathing deeply is one of the best ways to de-stress your body. There are different breathing exercises, but it is important to find which is best for you.
Write in a journal
Journaling is a wonderful way to unwind. It is also a way to look back and see the wonderful and not-so-wonderful days you’ve had. If you are having a bad day, look back on a better day. If this becomes another task to add to your to-do list, then by all means, skip it.
Make a list of everything going well
When you are having a stressful day or time in your life, it is hard to focus on what you’re grateful for. It seems as if everything is falling apart, and you wonder if the coming days will get better. Take a few minutes to grab some paper and a pencil and write at least three things that you are thankful for or good things that happened in your day. This is a way to realize the positives in your day, even if you didn’t think there were any.
Try yoga
Not only is yoga a wonderful de-stressor, but it also is great for you. Not everyone is flexible at first, and that is completely okay. It does not matter if you are not able to do every position in your first class, everyone has to start somewhere. Yoga can help with posture, flexibility, increased blood flow, and increased strength. Yoga also incorporates breathing to help you focus and also slow your breath while relaxing.
Figure out what you can and can’t control
Sometimes we tend to blame everything that is going wrong in our lives on ourselves. Think about what is bothering you and ask yourself if it is something you can fix. If it is something that you think you can fix, do your best to fix it and then move on from it. If it is something that is not in your control, try your best to let it go. You are your own worst critique.
Get more sleep
Sleep is so important for our health. Sometimes in the midst of a busy day, week or month, we lack the amount of sleep we need. Put your phone away before you get in bed. Maybe somewhere that you can’t touch them so you aren’t tempted to use it. Find a good book and read instead. Fall asleep reading instead of falling asleep on your phone.
Treat yourself
It is OK to dedicate time for yourself sometimes. Even if you have the busiest day, you have enough time to take 10 minutes for yourself. Go on a walk or take a quick walk outside. Do something for a small portion of the day that is for yourself. It will make all of the stressors in your life a little bit easier.
by Madison Hershfield
CougarBuzz 