Stress can be addictive. Internet access is available wherever you go. Your cell phone does not leave your side. You are constantly available to everyone and anyone except yourself. Society says that being on the go constantly is the only way to prove your value. Have you come to believe that living in this ‘on’ state is a GOOD thing? Something tells me you want more from this life. More on the inside.
Every day we choose how much stress we will allow into our lives. Yes, it’s a choice. The first choice we need to make is how we will view relaxation. Do you think that relaxation is something you do on a vacation that you worked 80 hour weeks for years to deserve? Maybe relaxation comes in the form of picking up a cup of coffee before you rush off again. Some of us think relaxation is another word for laziness.
It Takes Practice to Slow Down
So, truthfully, if you view relaxation as laziness, why would you ever want to relax? But you do. I know you do or you wouldn’t be reading this. So, the trick is to choose another interpretation for the word “relaxation.” It takes practice to slow down and get comfortable with stillness. How did it make you feel to read the words “comfortable” and “stillness” in the same sentence!?
Understanding why regular relaxation is so important will help you change your view of the word. Allowing stress to affect you can lead to depression, illness, weight gain and overall malcontent. You don’t want to hit bottom as a result of too much stress. In a relaxed state you can rest, digest, process emotion and stimulate your immune system, all at the same time! Who would have thought it was possible!
Many different things help me relax. I’m a self care coach but that doesn’t mean that I have it all together. I have my own mentors and coaches who help me stay on track with my own self care. If you want to know how to relax on a daily basis, start with changing your thoughts.
Think Logically and Sequentially
When you remove yourself emotionally from your situation and think logically you will notice the intensity of your stress subsides. Bring yourself back down to earth and out of your ‘thought tornado’ by examining what’s really causing you anxiety so you can decide what step to take next. Solutions become more apparent when you think logically and sequentially.
Prioritize
Take a look at what needs your attention first. What won’t kill you if you dealt with it tomorrow? Remember that you are only given a certain number of hours per day (sad but true!). Instead of just being busy, spend your time more productively. Living life like this means you will have more free time to relax. You simply will not accomplish ‘perfection’ in one day, so let it go.
Smile and Laugh More
When you smile and laugh your body produces endorphins which fight stress, help you relax and remind you that life is more than just work. Rent a funny movie. Spend time with someone who has a great sense of humor. If need be, force a smile or laugh when you need to change your mood the most. You’ll find your body and mood lighten up.
So my friend, let your shoulders relax a little. Laugh at life. Start practicing new habits to get new results.
Love,
Amy
