Feeling stressed? National Relaxation Day is August 15th, giving you the perfect reason to chill out and enjoy some “me time”. Learning and prioritizing relaxation and restoration are imperative for your mental and physical health, and encourages healthy coping methods when anxiety and stress areas.
If you are feeling overwhelmed or stressed at work or in your daily life, you are not alone. In fact, statistics show that more than half of U.S. Employees feel overworked or overwhelmed at least some of the time, and one in five highly engaged employees is at risk of burnout.
So what should you do? There are many ways to reduce stress and deal with draining situations like routine exercise, setting realistic goals for yourself, learning to say no, participating in hobbies that make you happy, and so on. But a major way to effectively manage stress and anxiety is through relaxation.
How to deal with stress and learn to relax at home?
Allowing yourself time to unwind after a long day can help your body become less tense, lower your heart rate, and limit other physiological systems from becoming overworked. Being unable to relax or make time to relax can lead to depression, anxiety, burnout, chronic stress, and other serious medical problems. Therefore, it’s important to recognize symptoms before stress becomes unmanageable and then take action.
Create a cozy space in your home that’s dedicated to relax and go to it whenever you need to regroup and recharge. Make this space your favorite get away and use it to overcome stress through relaxation techniques. There are many spaces in your home to choose from, but we suggest choosing a place with minimal distractions so you can truly take advantage of the time you set aside to unwind.
Designate a corner of your office or living room as your relaxing retreat. Incorporate stylish and comfortable furniture pieces that you’ll want to lounge in four hours--or for as long as you need to in order to get enough rest! When choosing furniture for your space, opt for durable materials that will last, like linen or leather, and make sure the pieces evoke cozy feelings. Accent chairs and smaller sofas will stand out amongst the other decor in the room and provide you with the perfect spot to settle in and read your favorite book or sip delicious tea. Here are some great leather chairs that are durable and perfect for heavy use and hours of lounging. Pair leather furniture with soft faux furs and a beautiful wooden end table. Choose a table with functional storage space, perfect for storing and organizing your relaxation materials like adult coloring books, candles, throw pillows, and other items that make you feel at ease.
If you don’t live alone, let your roommates or significant other know when you need some time to yourself to relax. Stress comes from many areas, but some environmental factors like excessive noise or social factors like relationship demands can take a toll, so it’s important to let other people know you are feeling burned out and are taking some time to unwind.
Other relaxation techniques
Unplug from the demands of technology and the pressure of feeling like you always have to answer calls and emails. As long as your work doesn’t require it, avoid connecting your work email to your personal phone. You might find yourself constantly stressing over the emails you haven’t opened or responded to, and it can affect your ability to rest and recharge when you are at home.
Practice yoga and meditation to improve stress and enhance your mental and physical health. Studies show that meditating calms your mind and provides a sense of relaxation, making your body feel restored. All you need is a few minutes on a regular basis and you will improve your psychological well-being. Regular meditation also improves your ability to concentrate, so if you have trouble paying attention at work, use your relaxation space at home to practice yoga and mindfulness and improve your overall quality of life. If you’re new to meditation, take advantage of on-the-go meditation apps, that walk you through mindfulness techniques and promote a healthy, balanced lifestyle.
Make time to do something enjoyable during the week with friends or by yourself. Laughing is a great way to relieve stress and feel happier. Laughter has greater long-term effects, too, as it improves your immune system and your mood, helping you cope with tough situations and connect with those around you.
Choose a method that works for you and make it a healthy habit in your life in order to achieve optimal relaxation and reduce stress. When you make your mental and physical health a priority, you will be able to effectively manage stressful situations when they pop and reduce your chances of feeling overwhelmed at work and in your daily life.
This article is contributed by Molly Kay
