Whether it's a stressful day at the office or an exhausting day of running errands, it can be hard to find time during the day to relax. Not everyone has time for a quick cat nap to recharge the batteries, but there are simple things you can do at a moment's notice to help your body and mind relax in order to reduce stress.
Breathe
Breathing requires nothing but you and your lungs and can be done any time in any place, making it an easy solution for relaxing. If you're feeling stressed or otherwise tense, take a minute to close your eyes and focus on your breathing. Deep breathing can slow your heart rate to calm you down and increase the oxygen in your body, which can help improve blood flow to your brain, helping you think more clearly and feel relaxed. Breathe deeply through your nose and out through your mouth as you close your eyes and focus on positive thoughts or imagery.
Progressive Muscle Relaxation
Focusing on the individual muscles and helping them to contract and relax can aid in overall relaxation, according to the Mayo Clinic. Start at one end of your body, such as the head or the toes, and focus on slowly contracting then relaxing each muscle as you work your way throughout your whole body. Tense each muscle for about 5 seconds, then relax for at least 30 seconds before moving on to the next muscle. This can serve as an effective way to relax the body at night if you're wound up and trying to sleep.
Listen to Music
Whatever your taste in music, putting on some headphones and immersing yourself in some tunes can help relax you and get your mind off the stresses of the day. Some people prefer calm, soothing music such as classical or instrumental music, while others might actually prefer more upbeat songs and lyrics. Carry a music player with you for those times you feel the need to relax. Pop in your headphones, close your eyes and enjoy a few minutes of relaxation.
Exercise
It may seem counterintuitive, but for some people, getting the body up and moving is an effective way to relax the mind, and after the exercise is over, they feel more relaxed. If you're in a position to do so, lace up your running shoes and head out for a quick jog or jump on the treadmill. Do some simple push-ups or sit-ups to get your blood flowing. Try a 30-second set of jumping jacks. Exercise releases endorphins, which can help to reduce stress and make you feel more relaxed, according to the Mayo Clinic.
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