It is important to prioritize some “down time” – tips for incorporating short respites into your day

It’s not bad to prioritize school or work, but don’t forget to take some time off so you can relax and recharge. Overworking yourself will do more harm than good, and you can even get sick if you don’t get enough rest.

According to a Daily Mail survey, these are 10 common reasons why people are unable to relax:

• Anxiety
• “Switching off”/relaxing only increases their anxiety
• They can’t “switch off”
• They don’t know how to relax
• They have a partner
• They have children to look after
• They’re busy with their jobs
• They’re constantly worrying
• They’re worried about the people relying on them
• They simply don’t have the time to relax

Tips to help you destress and relax

Dr. Megan Arroll, a chartered psychologist, explained that everyone needs to set aside some time to relax. She explained that by winding down and taking a break from our busy schedules, we give both our minds and bodies enough time to recharge. (Related: Tips and habits for banishing anxiety for life.)

Try some of these tips from Dr. Arroll and Dr. Jen Nash so you can destress during a busy day at work:

1. Be one with your body – Try to analyze your body from your head to your toe. Once you’re in a comfortable position, like sitting down, pay attention to everything going on in your body. Observe how your weight is touching the couch or how your feet are resting on the floor. Continue this exercise then take several breaths before you end the session.
2. Enjoy a healthy snack – Hunger can sometimes multiply stress. Snack on a piece of fruit or some raw vegetables. You can also eat an avocado or a handful of nuts which are full of good fats that can help you feel full longer.
3. Go for a walk – Take a 10-minute break and go for a walk. Walk outside, such as around the block, if you’re at the office, or just wander around your house. Try not to focus on your stress, but let your mind breathe in the quiet while you’re walking.
4. Just breathe – Breathing deeply, like a baby does, can help you relax. Taking deep breaths can help trigger the parasympathetic nervous system that helps minimize stress. Repeat this breathing exercise at least five times every day. You can do it anywhere like when you’re on a walk or before you go to sleep.
5. Picture yourself in a relaxed state – Visualize that you’re already calm. Visualization can help you relax and destress.
6. Spend time with your family and friends – If you’re spending too much time around stressors at home or at work, take a break and hang out with your friends so you can unwind.
7. Try some cannabis oil supplements – Participants in the U.K. survey reported that they used cannabis oil supplements to go into a relaxed state when they were feeling stressed.
8. Watch funny videos or movies – Watch a silly movie with a friend or spend 10 minutes laughing at funny animal videos online. Sometimes all we need is some laughter to help us relax.
9. Work with your hands – It’s easier to relax when your mind is focused on a simple task. Try hobbies like knitting which can help you go into a relaxed and almost meditative state.
10. Write your worries down – Making a tangible list of your worries can help you feel better. Once you’re done writing, imagine every item on the list floating away from your mind so you can stop stressing over them.

Read more articles with tips on how to relax and nurture your mental health at Mind.news.

Sources include:

DeccanChronicle.com

NaturalSociety.com