Relaxation Tips to Keep You Going!
Relaxation isn’t usually at the top of anyone’s list of New Year’s Resolutions.
But, when it comes to being able to actually follow through on plans and aspirations, relaxation and self-care aren’t indulgences.
Indeed, I’d like to propose that you reframe relaxation as a responsibility in this New Year!
That may be a new idea for many, but the reality is that if you are depleting yourself as you strive to develop new habits or change old, unhelpful behaviors, you are eventually going to burn out and give up. And that is, in fact, what happens with most New Year’s Resolutions.
Research says that it takes about a month to develop a new habit. If you take that long view, you can see how allowing yourself stopping places along your path helps you replenish your energy and continue. Think of relaxation and self-care as necessary supplies to nourish you as you make your journey.
You already know that relaxation helps your body re-energize, but sometimes you just feel like you’re so busy that you don’t have the time to pause and unwind.
The good news is that there are lots of simple ways to relax, even during your busiest days. In future posts we’ll look at self-care activities that require a bit more of a time investment. But today I want to share some relaxation techniques that can help, no matter how much time you have (or don’t have).
So, read through these quick tips. They are powerful and hardly require any time at all. And I am betting that as you read, lots of other ideas will come to you.
3 Simple Relaxation Tips:
- When you’re in line at the grocery store or waiting at a red light, don’t let stress eat away at you. Instead, use that time to relax your body by taking some deep breaths. Taking five slow deep breaths will do the trick. Inhale and exhale deeply through your nose and out your mouth. Not only does deep breathing help you relax, it clears your mind. After a moment or two, you’ll feel much more alert and ready to tackle the next project on your plate.
- If your job requires you to sit at a computer all day, make sure you get up and move around for a few minutes every hour. This helps circulate the blood throughout your body. Just moving the blood flow will make you feel more alert and focused. During a break or lunchtime, go for a walk. Walking is a great way to clear your mind and your body will benefit from the extra exercise as well.
- Smile. Interestingly, many have experienced the power of smiling to help relax and rejuvenate your body. So, when you’re out and about, smile at others around you.
Engaging in these simple, everyday relaxation techniques will help to sustain and strengthen you throughout your day. They’ll help you keep going on your plans and resolutions, building confidence and self trust as you go.
Powerful and timely, these tips make excellent companions for your journey!
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