Holidays – a great opportunity to relax your body and mind

Holidays – a great opportunity to relax your body and mind

Relaxation is essential for our well-being, and during the holidays, in those free, careless days, we can enjoy the activities we don’t have time for on a regular basis. Here are some ways to take advantage of the free time on our hands during holiday season.
Being relaxed can help ease stress. It can also relieve anxiety, depression, and sleep problems.

• To relax means to calm the mind, the body, or both.
• Relaxing can quiet your mind and make you feel peaceful and calm. Your body also reacts when you relax. For example, your muscles may be less tense and more flexible.
• There are different ways to relax. You may find one or more ways help to calm you down and feel at peace.

            Relaxing the mind

• Take slow, deep breaths. Or try other breathing exercises for relaxation.
• Soak in a warm bath.
• Listen to soothing music.
• Read a book you planned to read long time ago, and didn’t have the time.
• Practice mindful meditation. The goal of mindful meditation is to focus your attention on things that are happening right now in the present moment. For example, listen to your body. Is your breathing fast, slow, deep, or shallow? Do you hear noises, such as traffic, or do you hear only silence? The idea is just to note what is happening without trying to change it.
• Write. Some people feel more relaxed after they write about their feelings.

Relaxing the body

• Do yoga. You can get books and videos to do at home or take a yoga class.
• Try progressive muscle relaxation. This process involves tensing and relaxing each muscle group. Progressive muscle relaxation can reduce anxiety and muscle tension. If you have trouble falling asleep, this method may also help with your sleep problems. When you relax your muscles, your body gets the signal that it is okay to fall asleep.
• Take a walk or do some other activity. Making time to do things you enjoy can also help you relax.
• Get a massage or have someone give you a back rub.
• Have a warm drink that doesn't have alcohol or caffeine in it, such as herbal tea or warm milk.

Sources: UOFM Health