The Real Secret to Relaxing Your Mind and Relieving Stress
Are you Stressed? Have you been wanting to take the time out from the hassle and bustle of the life?
Did you know that there are lots of ways to manage your relieve stress and relax your mind, body and soul?
Stress and anxiety are normal feelings for most people. In reality, 70 percent of adults in the world claim that they experience stress or anxiety every day.
We must admit that life can be hectic no matter where you are, at home, school, or at work. It can be difficult to find time to relax and care for ourselves while we're busy. But it's important for our mental well-being that we take a break especially now that working from home for most of us has become an integral part of the transformed professional lifestyle during this coronavirus pandemic.
You will find below “The Real Secret to Relaxing your mind and Relieving Stress”
SLOWLY AND DEEPLY BREATHING.
According to a study, taking time to pause from what you're doing from time to time and slowly and deeply breathe, makes one more productive and efficient.
Focus on your breathing for a 5-minute break. Sit up straight with your eyes closed and a hand on your stomach. Inhale slowly through your nose, feeling the air enter in your belly and move its way up to the top of your head. As you exhale through your mouth, repeat the process.
EXERCISE!
We know you have heard this over and over again, but EXERCISE!
One of the most important things you can do to combat stress is to exercise. It can seem counterintuitive but placing physical stress on your body through exercise will help you relax. If you work out on a daily basis, the advantages are maximum. People who exercise on a daily basis are less likely to suffer from anxiety than those who do not according to many studies.
Virtually any form of exercise, from aerobics to yoga, can act as a stress reliever. If you're not an athlete or even if you're out of shape, you can still make a little exercise go a long way toward stress management.
Exercise helps:
Pump up your endorphins, the brain's feel-good neurotransmitters.
Improve your mood which can help increase self-confidence, help you relax, and lower symptoms of mild depression and anxiety.
Improve your sleep, which is often disrupted by stress, depression and anxiety.
Help you stay calm, clear and focused in everything you do.
RELAX BY LISTENING TO CALMING SONGS.
There is no doubt that listening to calming music and even to your favorite songs will make you feel relaxed. Studies has also shown that listening to soothing music can lower blood pressure, heart rate, and anxiety.
According to a research at Stanford University "listening to music seems to be able to change brain functioning to the same extent as medication." They noted that music is something that almost anybody can access and makes it an easy stress reduction tool.
“Create a playlist of songs or nature sounds (the ocean, a bubbling brook, birds chirping), and allow your mind to focus on the different melodies, instruments, or singers in the piece,” You can also blow off steam by rocking out to more upbeat tunes -- or singing at the top of your lungs!
PRACTICE MINDFUL MEDITATION.
The aim of mindful meditation is to concentrate your attention on what is going on in the present moment. Always begin your day with mindful meditation or I should say start your day with a purpose.
Ask yourself your intention for the day. Consider this as an example. “Today, I will be kind to myself; patient with others; generously give; remain grounded; persevere; have fun; eat well,” or whatever else comes to mind”.
Another one of the simplest exercises is mindful breathing. Simply spend a few minutes focusing your awareness on the movement of your thoughts and your breath in and out, without trying to change them in any way.
WRITE. START A GRATITUDE JOURNAL.
Write, yes you read it right. It’s old school like what many will say, but trust me, this is still very effective. Keep a gratitude journal by your bed, in your bag, and at work to help you remember all of the positive things in your life.
Keep a journal to remember happy moments like a child's smile, a sunny day, or good health. Don't forget to congratulate yourself on completing a new assignment at work or taking up a new hobby.
When you're feeling overwhelmed, go through your notes for a few minutes to remind yourself what's important.
Journaling can reduce stress by serving as an escape or emotional release of negative thoughts and feelings. Release negative thoughts by asking yourself and releasing them on paper, “What are the words I can write to express and describe how I’m feeling about things right now?”
Start your gratitude journey today and download the first 7 days of our 30 Days of Thankfulness Journal FREE - A DAILY GUIDE TO BECOMING HABITUALLY THANKFUL!
More about AJO - A boutique Wellness Travel Company that curates lifestyle retreats in the most beautiful cities in Africa.