With Santa having already come and gone, it may feel like the biggest part of the holidays is over. With the limited time we have over the holidays, it can be difficult to get everything done, let alone find time to relax. In spite of this, finding time to breathe and recharge your batteries becomes increasingly important as you get busier in the new year.
Benefits of a relaxation routine
Taking time to relax may seem trivial and unproductive but a healthy level of relaxation can affect your overall health. The benefits of a daily relaxation routine include:
- Improved sleep
- Decreased muscle tension
- Lowered blood pressure
- Reduced levels of anxiety
- Greater resilience
Types of relaxation techniques
Relaxation comes in a variety of forms. While some people might find yoga relaxing, others might find holding a downward dog to be stressful. If you want to relax, you should do something that puts you at ease mentally and physically, and which you enjoy, so that it becomes a habit.
Some common types of relaxation that fit into even the busiest schedules include:
- Deep breathing exercises
- Yoga
- Meditation/mindfulness
- Full body scan
- Relaxation music
- Guided imagery
- Nature walks
How to incorporate relaxation into your daily routine
1. Pick something you enjoy
You’re not really relaxing if you’re doing it as a chore! Go for something that relaxes and calms you down. Test out different activities until you find something that really relaxes you, reduces tension in your body, and makes you feel calm.
2. Schedule it in
Regularly setting aside time for relaxation will help it become part of your routine. Block off time in your calendar and set a reminder. Just think of it as an important appointment, like a doctor’s check-up. That way you’ll remember each day to take some well-deserved time for yourself.
3. Make it a habit
Consistency is key when it comes to developing a new daily routine. Your relaxation routines are more likely to stick if you are consistent with them. Taking time to relax is just as important as brushing your teeth – it’s an important habit you’ve built up over time. During a time when you’re supposed to be selfless, don’t forget to be selfish sometimes and put yourself first!
4. Keep a stress journal
There is no better encouragement than seeing your own success. Keep a stress journal to see how relaxation is benefitting your life, and reflect on it over this busy time of the year. The journal doesn’t have to take up a lot of time and should become a part of your scheduled daily relaxation routine. You can measure the effectiveness of your relaxation routine by recording your mood, stress levels, and mental and physical state of well-being before and after your routine. There are many premade journals available for purchase to help make this easier! Make starting one your New Year’s Resolution.
5. Ask for help
If you struggle to find the time to relax, it’s okay to ask for help. Let your family and loved ones know you are trying to make relaxation a priority for your health and ask for their support. There is a lot to handle during the holidays, from finances to family challenges, so it’s vital that you take care of one another. They don’t only help you alleviate some of the extra workloads that prevent you from relaxing, but they can also offer encouragement and hold you accountable.
6. Identify how you spend your day
Do you spend a lot of time scrolling on your phone or commuting to work? By understanding how your time is spent, you can easily identify what can be cut, or when you could incorporate relaxation. As an example, you could listen to relaxing music while driving to work or practice mindfulness while waiting in line at the grocery store.
Do you need extra help managing your stress? Connect with the iHealthOX Care Team to learn the best strategies that will work for you.
Article sources:
Harvard Medical School: Six relaxation techniques to reduce stress
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