In fast-paced world where things are constantly unfolding, it can be difficult to give your brain and energy a break. How do you shift your focus from worries and to-do’s to re-connecting with your body and peace of mind? It isn’t always easy to do this, but it is important. There is power in powering down – keep reading to learn why relaxation is important.
When It’s Time to Power Down
When it feels like everything is just a little too fast paced or a little too overwhelming, this might be a sign that it’s time to power down. Our bodies and minds were not designed for the constant stimulation we face. Even when we are not working or engaged in social events, the news is filled with uneasy stories, our phones are buzzing, and social media enables constant scrolling.
This can build up and lead to feelings of being overwhelmed, exhausted, and generally unhappy. If you are starting to feel this or just feel out of sorts in general, it’s time to make relaxation and disconnection a priority.
Why Relaxation is Important
In 2016, Yale University published a document on finding time to unwind. Within this document, the many researched benefits of relaxation are discussed. Among others, these benefits include improving heart health, lowering stress levels, boosting your immune system, and lowering risk of depression, anxiety, and obesity.
While it might feel productive to push through your tiredness, it will eventually catch up with you in one way or another. To feel your best, you must practice self care. This is inclusive of recognizing why relaxation is important and putting it into practice! Taking the time to relax is an investment in yourself, to recharge, and to come out of it feeling more whole.
How to Power Down & Relax
Relaxation is not a “one size fits all” type of endeavor. For some, curling up with a good book on a rainy day is the ultimate relaxation. For others, this seems miserable! For those who are more extroverted, spending downtime with a friend might be more relaxing. For those who are more introverted, this might actually take up energy, even if it is enjoyable.
When figuring out your personal relaxation, think of your happy place. Then, make sure it’s accessible. If your happy place is an island somewhere far away, challenge yourself to think about why this is your happy place. Is it the disconnection? Is it the positive energy surrounding you? The sound of the ocean? While some things may not be easily recreated, like the warm weather, others likely can be.
However you envision yourself as happy and at ease, this is a great start starting point for relaxation. For me, pure relaxation is curling up with my dog on the couch, enjoying a healthy snack, and watching a cheesy romantic comedy. What is relaxation for you? And how will you prioritize it?