How to relax: 16 techniques for relaxing the mind and body
Knowing how to relax is not at all obvious: with life becoming more and more hectic by the day, many of us can barely find a breather. However, it is important to remember that health comes first: knowing how to relax is absolutely necessary to prevent and combat stress and anxiety, rediscovering the lost balance between body and mind.
All of us, without exception, run here and there all day and every day, paying little attention to our health. The result? We feel drained and exhausted to unimaginable levels.
Precisely for this reason, a more conscious effort is needed to take care of our health and well-being. Taking some time for yourself is a luxury, of course, but it is also a necessity. Here are some little tips - from relaxation techniques to aromatherapy, from sports to breathing exercises - to take back the reins of our life when it becomes too overwhelming.
1. Treat yourself to a massage
Massage is one of those treatments that we rarely give ourselves yet, this small investment of time and money can really put us at peace with the world. Give it to yourself at least once a month and you will immediately see the positive effects: you will sleep better as well as say goodbye to any contractures.
It is undoubtedly one of the most universally appreciated relaxation techniques. The lesson to be learned is that massages work!
Natural anti-mosquitoes: for rooms or for the body. The most effective
2. Practice Yoga
The benefits of yoga are truly endless. Not only is it good for the mind, but it also offers a great deal of benefits for the body, in fact it will regulate your heart rate, boost your immune defenses, help you fight blood pressure, and more.
At home or in an ad hoc place, remember that yoga can only do you good. Here are some exercises to get you started:
3. Attract positive energy
Start from your home by choosing the right fragrances capable of recalling sensations and emotions that will favor relaxation and meditation. Stick perfumers, room sprays or electric diffusers, created by supporting small local communities in full respect of the planet: this is the idea behind Botanica by Air Wick, the wise choice of natural ingredients from the most famous exotic places in the world, for transform every room in the house into an evocative place.
- Himalayan Magnolia - essential oil collected in Yunnan and delicately mixed with vanilla.
- Caribbean vetiver - processed by farmers on the island of Haiti and combined with notes of sandalwood.
- French lavender - grown in Provence respecting local traditions, with the addition of cherry blossoms to give a sweet and delicate touch.
- Moroccan Mint - handcrafted and expertly blended with the scent of pink grapefruit.
- Rose Atlantic - essential oil extracted from hand-crafted flowers in Iceland combined with the sugary notes of geranium.
© Air Wick Botanica Stick perfumer - vanilla and magnolia from the Himalayas
4. Turn off all devices
It is "difficult to break away from them, impossible to deny it, but every now and then you have to say" No! ". Turn off smartphones, tablets, computers and televisions, in short, all those devices that stimulate the mind and make it even more difficult to fall asleep during the night, causing one not indifferent stress.
I recommend: cell phones must be turned off at least two hours before closing your eyes!
5. Run! Run! Run!
Have you ever wondered why this urge to running is it becoming more and more popular? No, it is not for the colorful shoes or for the technical leggings that conquer the less sporty. the real reason is because running frees your head and increases endorphins, only to leave you feeling pumped, happy and light-minded.
In short, a great way to calm down. What are you waiting for? Go out for a run too!
6. Get some sun
If you spend a large part of your life hidden behind a desk and very rarely have the opportunity to sunbathe, you can increase your chances of suffering from SAD, that is, seasonal affective disorder. A form of depressive disorder marked above all by the changes of the season, all due to the little sun absorbed by your body.
Make sure you take some time to absorb all the vitamin D the sun can offer - it will be good not only for your body, but also for your mind!
7. Meditate
Ever tried to meditate? Sit down, close your eyes and start breathing. If you've never tried your hand at meditation, try breathing exercises like this one here, really simple: with your eyes closed, count to twenty-one.
You will immediately notice how your breathing will become calmer, calmer and your mind will become completely empty. You won't be able to do without it anymore!
© GettyImages-1085634064
8. Enjoy a cup of tea
Have you ever come home after a long day at work and, after having a cup of tea, just stared at it so completely clearing your mind until all your problems seemed to vanish?
Quiet, it's not all in your head. The ingredients of the tea, in fact, promote calm and peace and make you relax. Matcha green tea is even better!
9. Talk
If something crosses your mind, don't put everything in a drawer: talk about it. Try to consider starting a therapy with a psychologist, you could reap great benefits, especially if you suffer from anxiety disorders.
At first it may seem strange to share your life with a complete stranger, but slowly it will become easier. It will seem strange to you, but the awareness of being able to share your heaviest thoughts without the risk of being judged or the anxiety that follows, it will make this therapy a real liberating path.
10. Throw it all out in black and white
Aren't you a big talker? No problem a sheet can become your best confidant. Whether it's poetry, for example, or a personal essay, or just scattered thoughts, it's a great way to clear your mind.
11. Manicure and pedicure for you
Sometimes it's the little things that make life better. I can't tell you why, but having your feet massaged or your nails filed will bring you back to peace with the world.
And if you prefer DIY, here is a video to learn how to make a perfect manicure:
12. Read something positive
You know those nights when you just can't sleep because of a thousand thoughts that just won't let you go? Open a book, maybe a light and not too demanding story: you will see, you will immediately find calm and a bit of peace!
13. Rediscover your passions
Do you work to the bitter end without ever stopping, but secretly dream of following your artistic vein that has always tickled your mind? Don't be stopped by anything or anyone.
Try to carve out spaces within your life to follow your passions. You will find inner peace in no time at all.
14. Never forget to laugh
Of course Kim Kardashian says she never smiles, because she doesn't want to mark her face with wrinkles. But guess what? There are more important things in life than anti-aging techniques; for example how to be happy. If you are feeling stressed, watch a funny comedy and relax by laughing your skin.
© GettyImages-103521954215. Look for times to be alone
In an age in which we feel constantly connected, both online and at work and in daily life, it is easy to forget that being alone can provide us with real moments of peace and serenity.
When you need a moment alone, don't be afraid to take it.
16. Breathe ... and that's it!
If you've ever suffered from panic or anxiety attacks, you know that the first thing they tell you to do is "just breathe." If you can find your heart rate while you are agitated, just pause and take slow deep breaths.
Breathe for a few minutes, until you regain your calm state.