The Benefits of Relaxation

It can be very hard to find time to relax with a busy schedule. With everything you have to do, relaxing feels like the last thing that should be on your mind. It is important to understand that even as a high-performance individual, you need to make time to relax and self-care so your body can continue to function at a high level.

Relaxation has many physical and mental health benefits. We've combined a list of the top reasons why you should prioritize relaxation below:

Mental Health Reasons:

• Reducing the activity of stress hormones

• Improving focus and mood

• Improving sleep quality

• Reducing anger and frustration

• Boosting confidence to handle problems

• Motivation to manage time and priorities

Physical Health Reasons:

• Slowing heart rate

• Lowering fatigue

• Increasing blood flow to major muscles

• Reducing muscle tension and chronic pain

• Lowering blood pressure

• Slowing breathing rate

• Improving digestion

• Controlling blood sugar levels

What Exactly Happens During Relaxation?

Relaxation is a response that the body experiences. It is the opposite of the “fight or flight” response.

During relaxation, the body’s metabolism, heart rate, and breathing slow down. Your blood pressure also gets lower and the body is in an induced state of rest.

Short-term Effects of Inducing this Response

These include feeling more in control and refreshed. The long-term effects of inducing this response on a regular basis include improvement in concentration, energy level, self-acceptance, and inner peace. The most important long-term effect is that your body becomes less responsive to the stress hormones. That is, stress hormones no longer have the same effect on the organs of your body.

Self Love Techniques to Practice During Relaxation

• Thinking positively

• Finding humor

• Exercising regularly

• Eating a healthy diet

• Getting enough sleep

• Spending time outside

• Reaching out to supportive family and friends

Takeaway

Your brain doesn’t know the difference between an actual event and you just thinking about that event. When you bear this theory in mind, you can use your mind to help your body to relax. Essentially the act of relaxation involves you slowing your body or mind and increasing your awareness of things in your immediate surroundings. One of the best environments to relax in are quiet or calming. Essentially, you use this environment to reconnect to your inner. You also have an opportunity to connect with your environment which brings you peace and motivates you to live a better and healthier life all around.