In the world we live in today, where everyone is seemingly in a rush to accomplish one thing or the other, it almost seems like a luxury to pause and relax. Often, we find ourselves neck-deep in work and personal responsibilities, barely managing to take a breather. But here's a fact - relaxation is crucial for our well-being. It not only helps reduce stress, but also has a positive impact on our mental and physical health. It's a bit like my Golden Retriever, Benny - he has an uncanny knack of knowing when to slow down and laze around, even on the most active days. We could all definitely learn a lesson or two from him!
Learning to control our breathing is one of the simplest techniques to aid relaxation. In moments of high-strung emotions or stress, our breathing often becomes rapid and shallow. By consciously controlling our inhaling and exhaling, we can reduce anxiety, lower our blood pressure and heart rate, and bring about a sense of calm. A technique I learnt is the '4-7-8 breathing method', a rather simple but meaningful practice. We inhale for 4 seconds, hold the breath for 7 seconds, and exhale for 8 seconds. This technique infuses a sort of rhythm in our breath and instantly aids relaxation. As weird as it may sound, I often practice this technique with my parrot, Louie. Not that he needs any help with his breathing but just because he's one curious fella who simply must be a part of everything I do!
Many of us regard meditation as a somewhat 'arcane' practice. In reality, it is a highly efficient relaxation technique that involves focusing our mind to achieve a mentally clear and emotionally calm state. It doesn't necessarily require sitting for long hours in an uncomfortable lotus position. Just a few minutes of quiet and solitude each day can make a world of difference. My husband, Desmond, was initially skeptical about meditation but once he embraced it, he's become quite the advocate!
There's absolutely nothing a good book cannot heal, or so I believe. The beauty of books is that they can act as gateways to different universes, all from the comfort of our couches. Coupled with a warm, comforting beverage, a good book can take you miles away from your worries. Curled up with Benny at my feet, this is one of my favorite ways to unwind at the end of a long day.
Never undermine the power of a good scent! Aromatherapy, the practice of using essential oils for medicinal and therapeutic benefits, has been prevalent for centuries. Lavender, for instance, is known to help with sleep and relaxation. You can introduce aromatic oils to your daily routine in various ways – as diffusers, during bath time, or even in your skincare regime. I remember this one incident where Desmond accidentally knocked over our lavender oil diffuser – let's just say Benny ended up smelling like a french garden for days on end.
A jog in the park, a spin around your block on your cycle, or even a dance-off bopping to your favorite beats - any movement that increases your heart rate can induce relaxation. When we engage in physical activity, our body releases 'feel-good' chemicals known as endorphins, which trigger a positive feeling in the body. In the words of Elle Woods from Legally Blonde, 'Exercise gives you endorphins. Endorphins make you happy.' And let's be real, who are we to argue with the wisdom of Elle Woods?
In conclusion, relaxation is not a luxury, rather a necessity. It doesn't require elaborate rituals or practices - it could be as simple as observing your breath, losing yourself in a book, smelling something nice, meditating, or moving your body. Each day, give yourself the permission to slow down, to ease off the accelerator of life and simply be. Because at the end of the day, we're humans, not machines!
Written by Madeline Sterling
View all posts by: Madeline Sterling