You requested your time off, set your Out of Office email, packed your bags, and arrived at your destination. Maybe it’s a quiet lake cabin, a tropical resort, or your own backyard. Either way, it’s time to relax… really relax.
But relaxing and recharging sounds a lot easier than it is, and sometimes we put so much pressure on ourselves to relax on vacation or on the weekend that we become more stressed out as a result!
Whatever your time-off plans may be, make a point to truly relax and unwind as much as you can. Your body craves it, and the benefits are pretty incredible.
Simple ways to relax better
Resist the urge to check your email. You earned that time off from work, so take it! If you absolutely have to check in, limit it to just once per day. Keep your work-related devices in a different room so you’re not tempted to peek at your inbox.
Put your phone away. Scrolling through your inbox, social media, and news apps can add to your stress levels, which is the exact opposite of what you want when you’re trying to relax. Block those apps for the day if possible or leave your phone or tablet in the house or hotel room so you can focus on your book, journal, or travel companions.
Don’t over-plan. A two-day weekend never feels like enough and it’s easy to pack it with activities and errands, and when you’re traveling, you want to experience everything! But this isn’t always super relaxing. Instead, give yourself a day or two to simply be and let the day unfold as it may.
Read a really good book. When you’re absorbed in a great story, you’re more likely to forget the world around you.
Practice breathing exercises. Hit reset with a grounding meditation, box breaths, or a simple timed inhale and exhale routine.
Taking time off to unwind isn’t just good for your mood, it’s good for your body too!
· Lower blood pressure and heart rate. Stress can raise your blood pressure and heart rate, so when you’re chilled out, these naturally decrease.
· Reduced stress and anxiety. Consistent stress and anxiety can have long-term health impacts, so taking time to truly relax helps mitigate those effects.
· Decreased muscle tension. When you’re fully relaxed, perhaps after a long day at the beach or tired and blissed-out from a long hike, your muscles are too!
· Better sleep. Those long, chilled-out days are the best way to prep for a good night’s sleep.
Ashwagandha for relaxation*