Learning To Relax

Today we are busier than ever, more connected than ever and our lives are busier than ever.  It can be difficult for us to allow ourselves to relax.  When the world around us is bustling we can find ourselves rushing about and forgetting to give ourselves some and rest and relaxation.

It's difficult to relax in these times.  We are constantly interrupted by our phones, and feeling the need to check them every five seconds.  Research had now shown that many of us are in fact addicted to our phones as it lights up the pleasure centers in our brains when we are on them.

Kids are busier than ever with increasing demands on them in the education system and an increase in the out of school activities, our children are at risk of losing the ability to just relax and do nothing.  They are being brought up to believe that you should always be busy.

It's important to teach the coming generations that it is okay to kick back and just enjoy life.  Taking time out and not be clock watching and rushing around.

It's important to identify good ways to relax and some not so good ways to relax.  I see many mums going for a manicure for some 'me' time and then they spend the entire manicure on the phone posting and commenting.  Hello? this is not relaxing!

Relaxation needs to be calming, rejuvenating and must have the ability to calm the mind and spirit allowing yourself to just be in that moment.  Regular relaxation can help to alleviate symptoms of fatigue, pain and stress that comes with life today, yet many of us are just not scheduling time to do this.  

Many say they are just too busy and don't have time but it is important to remember that you will be much more productive if you take some time away from the rush of everyday life.  The benefits of relaxation outweigh the time taken away from your regular schedule.  

So many of us think that we simply do not have the time to "relax", sometimes we think that we can't allow ourselves to relax  believing we don't deserve it.  Some believe that they can't relax until they have done everything on that never ending "to do list' but never get through that list and so never get time to relax. Guilty anyone?  Yes? Yeah me too!!

It is so important to schedule regular relaxation and the right type of relaxation to recharge your batteries.  I have put together some tips on how to work in relaxation to make it part of your regular schedule.  Its not difficult to implement and you will feel the benefits almost immediately!!

1. Allow yourself to take some time out each.  Even just a few moments to close your eyes and just breathe slowly.
2. Each week allow yourself at least one hour where you can do something you enjoy It could be a walk somewhere, the beach, a forest a park.  It could be taking up a new hobby like reading, painting, photography, card making or jewelry making.  Try something new that involves you slowing you down and concentrating on that one thing at that moment.
3. Don't allow yourself to feel Guilty doing this, if you have not been in the habit of relaxing, give yourself time and patience.  It can feel awkward at first allowing yourself time out.  Try to stick with it, the more you practice it the easier it will become.
4. If you have a partner, husband or wife help them to get some "me" time too.  Its important to allow the people in your life the time to relax too.  If you are always busy, they will feel like they have to be too.
5. Teach your kids to take time away from their schedules too and that it's ok to slow down and get some relaxing time where they just watch a movie or take a ride on their bicycles.  
6. Don't use cop out phrases with yourself like"I don't have time" or I'm too busy."  This is actually you depriving yourself of the relaxation you deserve and not allowing yourself to implement good self care.  Allow yourself time.  Everyone needs some time out.

The whole point of relaxation is to take time out from the world and disconnect for a while.  No phone, no news, and no stress interrupting.  Relaxation is a necessary part of life. Period. No excuses.  Implementing relaxation into your life can provide many health benefits such as reducing stress and anxiety, reducing blood pressure, reducing pain levels and calming your mind and spirit.

When you implement a relaxation program into your life you will be able to return to your life energized and recharged ready to take the world on again. 

---