Relaxation is a key component of restoring the brain and body. When we deal with stress, our bodies go into a different state. It goes into a survival state. The body relies on an instinctive emergency response system that allows you to respond quickly and efficiently to a stressful situation. This response is also referred to as an “Adrenaline rush” or the “fight or flight mechanism.”
A short term stress response can be useful for keeping us safe. However, long term stress can lead to chronic health problems. In order to prevent chronic health problems it’s important to practice relaxation to allow the body to heal and repair itself. Relaxation has to be intentional. It will not happen by accident in our busy, chaotic world. I’m not sure why but our culture seems to really struggle with this idea of relaxation and stress reduction. How do we manage such things? Well to start I’d find a few things that you enjoy. Watching TV doesn’t count. I’m not talking about mindlessly disengaging from the world around you. I’m talking about intentionally relaxing. Here are a few of my favorite ways to calm my mind and body.
- Get a massage
- Take a walk
- Talk to a friend
- Float in a relaxation pod
- Snuggle my husband and kids
- Read a book
- Journal
- Sit in silence
Start with something simple. Journal for 10 minutes before you go to bed. Take your kids on a walk after dinner. Relax with intention.
Thank you for reading friends! If this encouraged you please share with a friend and remember we release new blog posts every Monday!
~Shelby