Simple, Everyday Relaxation Techniques

Everyone experiences times throughout the day where you just wish you could relax for even a few minutes.

You already know that relaxation helps your body re-energize, but sometimes you’re so busy and caught up in the moment that you just forget to unwind.

Well, fortunately there are simple ways to relax, even during your busiest days, that don’t require a lot of time or equipment.

Here are five simple relaxation tips:

1. Where you’re in line at the grocery store. Instead of making yourself miserably anxious because there aren’t enough cashiers and every line has five people with heaping carts of groceries, use that time to relax your body by taking some deep breaths.

Deep breathing helps increase the oxygen in your blood. Your blood then circulates that extra oxygen throughout your body, helping your inner systems recharge.

Taking five slow deep breaths will usually do the trick. The proper technique is to inhale and exhale deeply through your nose and out your mouth.

Not only will deep breathing help you relax, it’ll help to clear your mind, reduce brain fog, and chances are great you’ll feel much more alert and ready to tackle the next project on your plate.

Deep breathing can be done anywhere where you’re feeling anxious or just want to clear your mind.

2. When you’re at work. It’s often hard to find time to relax at work. You might even get in trouble if you’re caught relaxing. “Oh the horror!” However, there are some techniques you can do while you’re at work to help create a sense of calm that aren’t so obvious to others.

If your job requires you to sit at a computer all day, make sure you get up and move around for a few minutes every hour. This helps circulate the blood throughout your body.  Just moving the blood flow will help make you feel more alert and focused.

While sitting at your desk, roll your head around, from side to side and from front to back with your eyes closed. This technique helps to relieve neck tension, increasing blood flow to your brain, which is a natural and easy way to relax.

If you’re on your feet all day, stretch out your back and sides by standing with your feet firm on the floor, shoulder width apart, and twist your upper body, including your head, slowly from side to side. This will help loosen up your back muscles and spine, releasing tension throughout your body.

During a break or lunchtime, go for a walk. Walking is a great way to clear your mind and your body will benefit from the extra exercise as well.

3. When you’re rushing through a busy day. Take just a few minutes to daydream and escape the busyness of reality.

Daydreaming lets your imagination flow, causing instant relief from the stress of the real world.

Think of a place or experience that you feel happy or calm about. Imagine how it smells, how the air feels, and who’s around.

After five minutes of a calming daydream, you’ll most likely feel relaxed, re-energized, and ready to face the real world again.

4. Wherever you’re at, smile. Smiling is proven to help relax and rejuvenate your body.

When you’re out and about, smile at others around you.

When you’re at work, smile at your co-workers. Not only will it help you relax, it’ll help relax them as well.

Smile at your children when you’re toting them around to all their different activities. This will contribute to create a peaceful environment you’ll all enjoy.

5. When the going gets tough, laugh. Laughter’s proven to be an instant stress reliever. Now I’m pretty sure you wouldn’t necessarily want to be seen as a nut case, so laughing out loud when you’re in line at the store or sitting at your desk may not be the best time.

When you can, get someone involved in your laughter with you.

Tell a funny joke or story to a co-worker – at an appropriate time, of course.

Play a fun game or sing a silly song with your kids as you’re driving.

Watch funny videos on YouTube.

Engaging in these simple, everyday relaxation techniques will help to sustain and strengthen you throughout your day. It’ll also make it easier to unwind when you get home. Not only will you feel much better, but your friends, co-workers, and family will most likely appreciate the new, relaxed you!

You are most welcome to share your insights by leaving a comment in the box below. Let’s have a positive, conscious conversation together!

Tags: Evan Carmichael, REBT, Stress Management