If you’re like most people, finding time to enjoy relaxation is easier said than done. There’s a lot of pressure to be constantly busy, and life is going to get in the way, no matter how carefully we plan. Finding ways to relax is something that is important to improve quality of life. Another important element to consider is the timeframe – do you have enough time to truly relax? If not, how can you make enough time? Here are some real-life relaxation techniques designed to help you de-stress, even when you’re in the middle of a hectic day.
1. Relaxing music in the car or between tasks
Are you someone who feels anxious on the way to work or social events? The car can be a great place to work on relaxation. Try finding a podcast or a playlist online that offers you relaxing music or nature sounds that will give you some comfort. These are great even just for a minute or two if that’s all you have. Plus, you can save them on your phone, so you can access them anywhere!
2. Guided imagery
If you know that you’ve got some time, you may find guided imagery helpful. It is a great way to focus on the beauty around you. You can use an app or a playlist to enjoy some guided relaxation therapy using the scenery around you as your backdrop. This can also be done if you don’t have a special spot, as the apps or playlists are intended to help you visualize it in your mind as well. For those with vivid imaginations, this relaxation technique can be particularly enjoyable.
3. Focused breathing
Physical relaxation is a huge part of making sure that you are getting a full relaxation experience. Breathing exercises can help you move towards a totally immersive relaxation experience that does wonders after a long and hard day. You can find all sorts of exercises online or even in apps that you download, so if you don’t like one, then keep trying – you’ll find one that works for you!
4. Progressive muscle relaxation
Progressive muscle realization is another way to relax physically. This can be slow, fast, or somewhere in between. This kind of activity is especially recommended when you are angry, as it allows you to take control of the emotion before you act on it. In this exercise, you focus on all muscles in your body separately and work on tensing and relaxing them. Traditionally, the tensing is for 10 seconds, and then the relaxation element is for 10-30 seconds before moving on to the next set. This technique forces you to be aware of every part of your body, which can help you focus on the present moment.
5. Massage
It’s a common belief that massage is relaxing because it feels good, but it has serious emotional and mental benefits, too. If you are struggling with a serious amount of stress, anger, or other emotional issues, then massage therapy might be the right option for you. Massage is one of the best options out there to make the difference both short- and long-term relaxation. The key is to simply use it at the right intervals!
6. Aromatherapy
While it isn’t useful for everyone, aromatherapy is a game changer for some people. It is wonderful for those who are looking for calming scents and relaxing for an extended period of time. These are also great options for decreasing your stress level at home or at work, depending on where you need it. You can get all sorts of scents that you’ll be able to try until you find the right one(s) for you and your relaxation needs.
Stress impacts our health in all sorts of ways, so it’s critical to find relaxation techniques that work for your lifestyle. You don’t need to implement all 6 of these techniques at once, or at all, but hopefully, one or two will be the right fit for you.
Pivotal Counseling Center has therapists who can help you work through stress and anxiety. We have locations in Woodstock, Illinois, and Lake in the Hills, Illinois. If you are in need of someone to help, please consider giving us a call at (815) 345-3400.
Pivotal Counseling Center is now accepting Medicaid including Blue Cross Community Medicaid, Meridian Medicaid, and Molina Medicaid for outpatient counseling.
