5 Keys to Relaxation

When you’re stressed or anxious, relaxation can be incredibly hard to come by. Changing your mindset to encourage a deeper sense of calm can help a ton and it can free up more time and resources to pursue relaxing activities. 

Here are 5 super important ways to get more relaxation in your life. 

Give Yourself the Gift of Time

When you’re super busy, it can be hard to find the time to relax. Simplifying your life can be hugely helpful for making more time. You can take a ton more control over your time and space

A few ways you can do this include:

• Getting to bed a little earlier so you can grab an extra bit of sleep.

• Ask family and friends to take on tasks to save time. Delegating activities can save a ton of time that you can then schedule for yourself. If you’ve got little ones, they can often be included in this to a certain extent. 

• Saying no to things that would otherwise hinder your ability to give yourself the time and space you need to relax. Anything that makes you feel drained and stressed is an obvious one to reject. 

• If your tech is synced up to receive emails outside of work, get into the habit of only checking your notifications once. That way, you won’t feel compelled to jump back into work mode if your inbox pings. 

The Benefits of Adult Coloring

Think coloring is just for kids? There can be a whole heap of benefits for adults too, especially where relaxation is concerned. 

One of the biggest benefits is this: it’s super therapeutic. 

In one study, coloring in mandalas was hugely beneficial for reducing stress and anxiety. 

It can even encourage your brain to enter into a state of meditation, especially since you often have to focus super hard to stay within the lines. 

Because you also need to be truly in the present when you’re coloring, it acts as a form of mindfulness. It’s a whole heap harder for negative thoughts to take control when you’re concentrating super hard on what you’re doing. 

Coloring sessions can also keep your body’s cortisol levels in check. The effects of releasing stress hormones like cortisol every time you get stressed or anxious can be incredibly damaging for your health. But if you reach for a coloring book to help you relax, this risk goes down a ton.

If you have a ton of trouble switching off your mind, adult coloring can be your secret relaxation weapon. 

Get Painting

Creative activities such as painting are massively therapeutic too — even if you’re not the best artist in the world. If you’re under a ton of stress on a day-to-day basis, painting can act as an emotional release. You can totally immerse yourself in painting, which helps to clear your mind and reduce stress and anxiety. 

Painting brings your imagination and problem-solving skills to the fore too. Your initial plans may quickly be forced to change as you make more progress with your painting and this is a great test of your critical thinking skills.  

Listen to Calming Music

Music can be super powerful for calm and relaxation. Researchers at Stanford University found that music can be as effective as medication in changing brain functioning. 

When you think of relaxing music, it’s probably easy listening or classical music that first springs to mind, right? It can be hugely effective but it’s not the only option. 

According to research, Native American and Celtic musical influences can be super effective for relaxation. Other smart choices can include Indian-stringed instruments and anything with drums and flutes. 

The most important thing is that you love the music that’s being played. Even music that ticks all the right boxes for promoting calm may not personally relax you if you dislike it. 

When you find some music that helps you relax, make it a key part of your life. Play it while you work, on your commute or when you’re in the shower. And making a point of playing relaxing music as you get ready for bed can put you in a good frame of mind for a good night’s sleep. 

Disconnect From Your Devices 

Being connected to your devices all the time can make it super difficult to relax. It puts you on high alert since you’re constantly waiting for the next notification to signal its arrival. 

Unplugging from your devices for even an hour can help you feel calmer. 

To really make the most of your device-free time, get outside and go for a walk. 

It helps release feel-good endorphins and according to studies, being in nature can be a powerful way to relax. If you’ve got a green space nearby, make the most of it when you need a bit more calm. And if you’ve not, just getting out and about in the fresh air can bring a whole heap of relaxation benefits. 

Taking control of your time is a hugely important mindset shift to bring more relaxation into your life. And with that extra time and space you’ve freed up, you can spend more time engaging in creative activities and listening to music that reduces stress and anxiety and promotes a sense of calm.