August 15th is recognized as National Relaxation Day. We all have those days where we need to simply take a break from the real world and focus on ourselves and relax. You may think of relaxing as going to the spa for the day or going to get a massage. However, there are plenty of ways you can relax right from the comfort of your own home. Try out these 10 ways to relax at home.
Yoga and Meditation
Yoga, meditation, and breathing exercises are all great ways to relax at home. These practices all work to relax your mind and body and promote a feeling of calmness and peace.
Go for a Walk
Going for a walk can help to clear your mind. It’s also a great way to exercise and get rid of unwanted energy in the body. If it’s a nice day outside, walking outdoors can also help relax you with exposure to Vitamin D and all of it’s benefits.
Read a Book
Another one of the great ways to relax at home is by reading a book. Reading a book can help you escape from the thoughts in your head and dive into a different reality for a little while. It calms your mind and your body and is a great way to promote relaxation.
Listen to Music
Listening to music can also help to relax you. Simply put on your favorite playlist to get you in a great mood. Be careful though, some types of music can stimulate you rather than relax you. Fast tempos and loud instruments can increase adrenaline which is the opposite of what you want when trying to relax. Try out some classical music, acoustic, or anything with softer sounds and slower tempos.
Take a Nap
Sometimes one of the best ways to relax at home is by taking a nap. Once in a while, a power nap can help give you the boost of energy you need and help to relax and refresh your mind and body.
Practice Self-care
You can also practice self-care to promote relaxation. Self-care can consist of getting a massage, doing a face mask, painting your nails, journaling, etc. It’s really any activity that helps you feel relaxed and that you enjoy doing and typically don’t get to do that often.
Take a Bath
Taking a bath is another great way to relax your mind and body. You can use epsom salt or other bath additives that are known for muscle and mind relaxation. You can even turn on your favorite playlist, read a book, journal, meditate, or watch a show. These are great ways to combine multiple relaxation methods.
Craft
Some crafts that you feel confident in doing can also help to relax you. Some people who take up knitting or crocheting have become so adept to it that they can do it without really concentrating too hard on it. This helps to relax your mind and keep your body occupied while trying to be productive.
Unplug from Electronics
The blue light from many electronics including tv’s, cell phones, and computers can stimulate the brain and provide stress to your mind and your body. Once in a while it is a good idea to limit the amount of exposure you have by unplugging from electronics.
Aromatherapy
Aromatherapy and essential oils are another one of the great ways to relax at home. Certain scents like lavender, chamomile, and sandalwood are all great options that promote relaxation, sleep, and anxiety relief.