Sure, if you’re lounging in linen on a tropical white sandy beach while being served a mai tai, it’s pretty easy to feel like you’re without a care in the world.
Sigh.
But back in reality – aka the regular daily grind – a regular relaxation practice can easily fall to the wayside as deadlines, demands, and unexpected hurdles can shatter even your most well-intended routines. That’s why, if you look at any mindfulness expert, you’ll find a common denominator: they all use little “tools of calm” daily. These tools are not something that can only be found at the top of mystical mountains or require a huge investment of time (or money, for that matter!). Rather, these are easily accessible tools that can be reached for whenever a mental reset is needed. Here are some of the most effective, simple methods to change and improve your ability to relax:
Take a Moment To Move | Counter to what one would think, exercise, aka the practice of physical stress, has a very relaxing effect on the body. Exercise reduces the body’s stress hormones, and the endorphins it produces enhances your brain chemistry, promoting a good mood and encouraging self-confidence. While committing to a full-length class or going for a run after work are a prime examples, even just taking a 15 minute walk around the block will offer benefits.
Breathe Consciously | Although we tend to think of breathing as an automatic component of our biology, it’s also something we can control, and use to our advantage. Amongst its many benefits, practicing breathwork can help lower blood pressure and induce inner calm … within just minutes! There are many types of breathing exercises to experiment with: which involve slowing down your breathing, and counting the time during inhale, exhale, and sometimes held breath.
Incorporate Adaptogens | While adaptogenic foods won’t have you feeling immediately more relaxed, they will help your body become more equipped to handle stress through their adrenal supportive qualities. Popular adaptogens include maca root, goji berries, holy basil, and medicinal mushrooms. Of course, many of the recipes on this site show you exactly how to incorporate these next-level foods!
Drink Up | The state of dehydration has many woes, including causing high blood pressure. Taking a moment to have a glass of water, a cup of tea, or a cold beverage can help your entire inner ecosystem run more efficiently, and keep you feeling at ease. Or, make an elixir that uses homeopathic relaxing herbs, such as chamomile, lavender, or lemon balm.
Try Cold Exposure | Hydrotherapy, or applying different temperatures of water onto the skin, has shown great promise in elevating mood and promoting a relaxed state of being. Try ending your shower with a 30-60 second cold water rain – after the initial temperature shock, you’ll enjoy an immediate decrease in in stress hormones and a noticeable sense of calm.
Practice Meditation | Aside from being so very practical – it takes just minutes and can be done absolutely anywhere – Meditation has been linked to an extraordinary number of health benefits, including reducing anxiety, increasing blood flow, slowing the heart, and even enhancing the immune system. Though it may be hard to sit still during stressful times, making a habit of practicing mediation on a regular basis can have profound effects on your mood, physical prowess, and ability to problem-solve.
Use Aromatherapy | Essential oils can have powerful effects on physical and psychological well-being. Use a diffuser to slowly release healing fragrances like rose, citrus, ylang-ylang, and lavender can protect against nervousness, anxiety, and depression, while calming the body and the mind. Or, like they say, just stop and smell the roses.
