Most people understand that it is important to rest and to take care of your body and mind but often that is easier said than done. It is a lot easier to know that you should do things than to actually implement them into your routine. You also might be wondering if it's really worth allocating time to, or if perhaps your time would be better spent doing other things, like working. Wellbeing People provides some good information on why it is important to make relaxing a priority. They say, “Physical symptoms such as headaches, tension in the neck and shoulders, dizziness, fatigue and poor sleep can all be a result of stress overload. Stress can affect our mental state too as it elevates levels of cortisol; a hormone that affects the function of the brain. This can result in worrying, poor concentration, difficulty in making decisions and uncontrollable thoughts. And to add to the list, emotional symptoms can present as irritability, feelings of being overwhelmed, anxiety, low self-esteem and depression. A person in a high state of stress can cause aggressive or defensive behaviour, avoiding situations, poor communication, drinking too much alcohol and smoking. It can exacerbate mood disorders too.” As you can see there are huge benefits to taking time to destress.
Here are a few ways to get ~zen~:
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Get outside
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With the weather improving and summer on the horizon now is one of our favorite times to get outside! You can stroll around your neighborhood to people-watch, go to the local dog park, a nearby river, or hike your favorite trail.
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Cuddle up with a furry friend
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This is by far one of our favorite ways to decompress and relax. There is something so comforting and relaxing about cuddling up with your furry friend. Whether it’s a quick rest on the couch or a movie night, we can guarantee you will feel rejuvenated after.
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Call a family member or friend
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Whether it’s a call, text or video chat your friends /family will appreciate that you took the time out of your day to check upon them. As well, reaching out to your friends keeps you connected to the people you care about most!
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Listen to soothing music
Finding a playlist is really easy. Spotify, YouTube, and Apple Music are full of pre-made calming playlists! Putting one on while relaxing or even while working will surely help you to feel more ~zen~. And if soothing music is a little too mellow for you, then just listening to your favorite songs can help you feel refreshed.
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Workout
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Although gyms are still closed for a lot of us, home workouts are possible. YouTube is an amazing resource for tons of amazing workout videos, the videos range from just a couple of minutes to over an hour. It can also be fun to start a workout program created by a Youtuber, that way you never have to think about what your workout will be. And there are options for all skill levels, from beginner to athlete. Plus there are plenty of videos that require minimal or no equipment!
Works Cited
“Why Relaxation Is so Important.” Wellbeing People, 4 Nov. 2019, www.wellbeingpeople.com/2019/