Admit it- in this stressful world, we can all use more relaxation, and for many, taking a deep breath just isn’t going to cut it. Here is a list of 8 things you can do that will really help you relax.
1. Go For a Walk
Relaxing the body is a great way to relax the mind, and exercise is a way to accomplish this. Working out increases levels of mood elevating hormones and decreases levels of stress hormones, so go ahead and walk your stress away!
2. Spend Time with Animals
Having a pet can actually decrease anxiety and depression, and one study showed that even making eye contact with a dog made people relax! The evidence is clear that petting an animal is an immediate path to relaxation.
3. Meditate
Another great way to separate yourself from stress is to meditate. Meditation helps people with anxiety feel less anxious and it can be learned easily with the help of apps like Headspace, Calm, and Stop, Breathe and Think. Sit in silence for a few minutes each day and toss everything that is bothering you out the window.
4. Listen to Music
Listening to music has been found to to decrease levels of stress hormones, both preventing a body from feeling stressed as well as distressing a body after stress exposure. And for all of you talented people, playing music has been found to have the same relaxing effect.
5. Draw, Paint or Color
Even if you’re not an artist, painting, drawing or even coloring can have a relaxing effect. Even Mayo Clinic has endorsed art therapy as a relaxation technique. So pick up an adult coloring book and color your worries away.
6. Yoga
Having the benefits of stretching, strengthening and meditation, yoga relaxes people in multiple ways. Nothing feels better at the end of a stressful day than a long stretch in child’s pose and even if you’re not the most flexible person in the world, yoga might be for you.
7. Massage
Nothing is more relaxing than a good massage. Add in some aromatherapy and it’s magic! Studies have shown that massage lowers levels of stress hormones, not to mention it feels fantastic and is very relaxing for both the body and the mind.
8. Take a Hot Bath or Shower
Taking a hot bath or shower amps up your oxytocin level, which helps relieve anxiety. Hot water also increases blood flow leading to less pain. And when you’re in the shower, don’t forget to use Loma's shampoo and conditioner! Our natural aromatherapy scents are so uplifting that they will get your day off to a great start and wash all your worries down the drain.
So take time to relax, because you deserve it!
Love, Loma
