I’ve always found it hard to relax. It sounds odd to say it, but relaxing doesn’t come naturally to me. After a long day of work, exercise, or general chores and problems, I find it difficult to switch my mind off and wind down.
It’s as if once my mind is kicked into action and filled with words, worries, or ideas, it’s hard to calm it back down again. I’ve never been able to sit in the garden, lay on the beach or by a pool, and just ‘tune out’. God knows I’ve tried.
With that said, over the years, I have found effective ways to calm my mind down and, on occasions and partake in a period of relaxation. It’s still not become an instinct, but I have several technics and practices to calm my mind and just ‘be’.
Meditation: While it might sound cliché, meditation has been a game-changer for me. I started using the Insight Timer app and tried a 10-minute guided meditation every day. Initially, I was sceptical, but within a week, I started to get it and feel the benefits. A 10-15 minute meditation has become my go-to tool for calming my mind when I feel stressed or anxious.
Deep Breathing: If meditation sounds too ‘new age’ or pretentious to you, try some breathing exercises. Taking deep, deliberate breaths helps to calm the nervous system and refocus the mind. Try inhaling for a count of four, holding for a count of four, and exhaling for six.
Physical Activity: Whether a brisk walk around the block or a rigorous workout, exercise is a proven way to release pent-up energy and stress. It relaxes the body and helps clear the mind, making space for positive thoughts. A caveat to this is while running has been a proven way for me to relax my mind, I don’t recommend running or doing vigorous exercise close to bedtime. It can make it difficult to sleep.
Music: I’m someone who enjoys silence. Especially when driving or going for a walk, I don’t always like to hear music. However, when I lay on a beach or by a pool, I’ve found that listening to a playlist of my favourite tunes creates a rhythmic cadence, transporting me to a peaceful place.
Warm Baths: Immersing oneself in a warm bath can be a gateway to relaxation, especially with essential oils like lavender or chamomile. The warmth relaxes the muscles, and the quietude allows your mind to drift away. Combining this with listening to music can be another winning way to get into that relaxation mode and clear your mind.
Artistic Expression: As a writer, I find it hard to write as a way to relax, but other forms of artistic expression have helped me find inner peace. Whether sketching, painting or even colouring in a colouring book, engaging in artistic activities can be incredibly therapeutic. Creativity enables me to channel my emotions and quieten the noise within.
Disconnecting: Lastly, in this age of digitalisation, sometimes the best thing to do is to disconnect. Turn off your phone, shut down your laptop, and permit yourself to be unreachable. What a few hours without screen time can do for your well-being is amazing.
For some, relaxation might come naturally; for others, it’s a skill to be learned. And that’s okay. It’s crucial to understand that finding your unique path to relaxation is a journey, not a destination. So, if you’re like me, struggling to switch off and seeking solace, know you’re not alone. Experiment with these techniques, mix and match, and most importantly, be patient with yourself. Because in the quest for peace, every moment you invest is a step closer to mastering the art of relaxation.