Life today usually includes hurry, limited time, and numerous responsibilities to complete on a daily basis. Physical and mental stress appears in many people’s lives to make their day to day more difficult and stop them enjoying. Often, anxiety leads to health problems, of both a serious and less serious nature, that can affect hair loss, eczema, stiffness, memory problems, and fatigue. What’s more, it is possible to suffer more serious consequences such as hormonal imbalance, high blood pressure, headaches, obesity, digestive problems amongst other examples which if they persist for a long time may become chronic.
It is, therefore, essential that you take actions against stressful situations to relax your body and protect your health. In this way it is possible to face daily problems from a more positive angle.
Why do relaxation exercises?
The first benefit these exercises will offer you is, undoubtedly, the feeling of wellbeing derived from mental and physical relaxation. As a direct consequence of this first benefit there are many others such as taking control of our body’s reactions to stressful situations. Blood pressure and muscle tension are immediately reduced and we manage to break the cycle of toxic thoughts that feed anxiety. Getting rid of this tension through different exercises adapted to each individual’s needs also boosts self-esteem and boosts the ability to face different types of problems.
Breathe deeply and feel your body relax
It may seem basic, but it is essential; focusing on muscle relaxation and giving your brain the order to do so is the first step in controlling anxiety and stress straight away.
For this activity, you must find somewhere nice and quiet where you are comfortable and you don’t have any distractions. Lie on your back comfortably and position your body as straight as possible whilst making sure you are still in a comfortable position. Place your hands on your chest and abdomen to feel how they rise and fall as air enters and leaves.
Breathe slowly and deeply through your nose and draw the air towards your stomach, hold for a few seconds and exhale slowly noting how the hand on your belly moves whilst the one on your chest is practically immobile.
Repeat this for 3 or 4 minutes every day and you’ll note how your muscles soon relax. If anxiety directly affects your muscular tension, this relaxation exercise will be a great help for you. The main advantage is that it only takes a few minutes and you can repeat it as many times as you need.
Clear your mind with outdoor activities
When indoor work or domestic commitments combine to produce stressful situations, the best way to combat built-up tension and relax is to focus on clearing your mind by going somewhere else and doing something else.
In this case, this is about getting out and doing something fun that has no relation to the thing that is creating discomfort for us. Doing sport outdoor is especially recommended because natural light helps the body and mind immediately. You’ll feel better, you’ll release pent-up energy, and you’ll have fun clearing your mind.
If you like cycling, running, or skating, they will be perfect ways to go out on your own and enjoy private time focusing on your own wellbeing. If you’d prefer to socialise in a setting that isn’t work or with family you can try out team sports.
Make the most of the benefits of nature
Good weather is the ideal time to take advantage of the boosts to energy and wellbeing that nature is capable of offering. It has been demonstrated that contact with green spaces reduces anxiety and improves quality of life in such a way that if you have the opportunity, you should go to the countryside often, walk among the trees, breathe fresh air, listen to the sound of the forest, and free your mind from the strain of the city.
It is possible you don’t have access to a green space close to your house or you don’t have the means to travel to one. If that is the case, you can make the most of the green spaces of the city and go for a walk among the trees in the parks.
Cultivate a hobby and take advantage of its benefits
One of the keys to reducing stress is being able to find freeing time to devote to your own enjoyment. To do just that it is advisable to make the very most of your free time and not spend it solely doing nothing or sitting in front of a screen to not think. Your body and mind will be thankful that you activate them in some way including fun and enjoyment.
If you have a specific interest such as drawing, astronomy, collecting, DIY or arts and crafts, for example, set a period of time for improving, understanding, and broadening your capabilities in the discipline that you are interested in. All the time you spend on it will be a cure for the stress built up during more tedious everyday activities.
