When we are stressed our system is on high alert. Our bodies respond with adrenaline. Our nerves send messages to every organ in the body. Our heart rate increases. Breathing becomes shallow and fast. Our blood pressure goes up. Eventually, damage is done.
There are many benefits to learning to relax…
The Following Can Be Improved With Regular Relaxation:
- Blood pressure
- Risk of stroke
- Muscle blood flow
- Heart rate
- Breathing rate
- Muscle tension
- Immunity
- Memory
- Asthma, emphysema, COAD
- Skin (acne, eczema, dermatitis, psoriasis, etc)
- Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Tension headaches and migraines
- Fibromyalgia
- Raynaud’s syndrome
- Diabetes
- Herpes simplex
- Multiple Sclerosis
- Chronic pain
Other Benefits Include:
- Emotional
- Levels emotions
- Elevates mood
- Improves outlook
- Improves decision making
- Improves sleep
- Helps clear skin (acne, eczema, dermatitis, psoriasis, etc)
- Helps relieve depression and anxiety
- Energizes
- Lowers cortisol levels
This is why relaxation is extremely important for the health of both body and mind.
There are many ways to relax and what works best will depend on each individual. Some will find more relief from a non-physical relaxation technique while others will benefit most from a more physical approach. The most important thing is that you do not allow what is stressing you to enter your mind when you take time to relax.
Here are some non-physical ways to help you relax:
- Lie down in a quiet room (or play soft music), close your eyes, clear your mind, and only think pleasant thoughts.
- Take a long, hot bath in a quiet room. Light a candle or two.
- Meditate
- Breathing techniques/exercises
- Visualization
- Sleep
- Aromatherapy
Here are some physical ways to help you relax:
- Yoga
- Tai chi
- Walk
- Sex
- Bike ride
- Jog
- Laugh and play
In addition to taking time to relax is learning to manage stress. The first step is identifying the cause. The second step is learning to deal with that cause in a productive way.
- Ask for help when you need it.
- Talk out your problems with a trusted friend or therapist.
- Learn to say “no” so you don’t become overwhelmed
- Prioritize
- Let go of what cannot be changed
- Be proactive. Address what you can before they become (more) stressful
- Schedule time to deal with difficult issues and only deal with them on those days (such as finances).
Schedule time to relax. Learn to relax in times of stress.
With all that we deal with on a day to day basis it is so important that we take care of ourselves.
Would you like to share your favorite stress remedy? Please share them in the comment section below.
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