03-02-23
Find Your Calm
The demands of modern life can be overwhelming, leaving little time for self-care and relaxation. But at the end of the day, setting aside a little time to take care of yourself is one of the best things you can do for your overall health and well-being.
After all, ongoing stress doesn’t do any of us much good. Without a way out, this stress can just sit inside of us and continue to build up, and over time, it will start to negatively impact various areas of our bodies, such as our heart, brain, skin, and gut. Needless to say, making stress relief a part of your routine is of the utmost importance, but the question is, how can you fit it into your busy schedule?
Whether you’ve been busy trying to meet deadlines at work or your days are filled with errands, housework, and the needs of your family, there are still simple techniques you can work into your daily routine to help your mind unwind and your body relax. Here are a few of our favorites.
1. Progressive Muscle Relaxation
This unique technique only requires two simple steps—tensing your muscles and then relaxing them. First, decide which muscle group you want to target, such as your neck, shoulders, or left hand. Then tense only those specific muscles for about five seconds. After five seconds have passed, exhale and quickly relax those muscles. The wonderful thing about this practice is that it’s short, so you can incorporate it throughout your day or block out about 15 minutes if you want to work through multiple muscle groups back-to-back.
2. Guided Imagery
Also known as visualization, this technique is all about mentally conjuring vivid, detailed images of peaceful or serene scenarios. To take advantage of this technique, simply think of something that brings you peace, such as a calming memory or a favorite place, then conjures up as much detail as you can so you feel like you are in that space or moment. For example, you can think about taking a walk on the beach, lying in a grassy meadow, swimming in a lagoon, or hugging a supportive family member. As you do this, your mind will start to calm and it will become a mental place your mind can venture to when it needs a moment to relax. Combining this mental exercise with physical relaxation techniques like progressive muscle relaxation can make it even more powerful.
3. Earthing
Also known as grounding, the practice of earthing involves spending time outside without shoes. We know it sounds a little odd, but hear us out. When you walk outside barefoot, you are allowing your body to connect directly with the enormous supply of electrons that exist on the surface of the Earth, which research has found comes with a variety of benefits. For example, walking barefoot in nature can help increase blood flow, boost energy, and relieve stress. It is an easy and inexpensive habit that anyone can try to embrace its health benefits.
Don’t let the hustle and bustle that comes with everyday life weigh you down. Take your health into your own hands by being intentional about giving your body and mind time to rest, relax, and let go of all that stress it’s been holding on to. So go ahead. Pick one of these relaxation techniques, or find another one that works for you, and add it to your routine. Trust us, you’ll be amazed at how much better you feel.