Have you ever tried to relax, and you simply weren’t able to? You may have been unable to keep your mind from racing or you might have been focused on all the things that you need to get done. No matter what was keeping you from being able to wind down, there are multiple ways to relax better. This way you’ll be able to calm yourself when you need to, which may be beneficial for your stress levels. Here’s a look at 10 ways to relax.
Clear out Clutter
While you may not realize it, the clutter in your house could be causing you to be unable to get things done. When you can’t get your work and chores completed, you probably won’t be able to relax either.
Take some time to start to clear clutter away from the places that it is possible to do so. If you are overwhelmed and don’t know where to begin, start with 30 minutes a day and work your way up from there. Keep in mind you shouldn’t expect to handle all your clutter in one day. Work through a little bit of it at once.
Practice Mindfulness
When you are anxious and you are unable to relax, you should consider mindfulness exercises, which help you with visualization. This calls for you to concentrate on things that are in the moment, which may be able to keep you from becoming overwhelmed. For example, when you are feeling frazzled, if you are able to step away from your computer, close your eyes, and think about 10 things in the room you are in, this can assist you. It may be able to provide you a moment to gather your thoughts and keep you grounded. There are many visualization exercises that you might want to take advantage of.
Keep Breathing
Anytime you are feeling overwhelmed, it can be difficult to relax. For this reason, you should pay attention to your breathing. Concentrate on your breaths when you feel like there is too much going on and you don’t know what to do. This may be able to help you prevent panic attacks, in some instances.
Do Some Stretches
If you find that you are tense, especially when you are trying to wind down, think about getting up and doing some stretches. You can do a quick search online to find stretches that may be able to loosen up your muscles and complete them for a few minutes. These could cause you to relax a bit, so you can lay down for the night or start your bedtime routine.
Exercise
Another way to manage your stress is by exercising. You likely know that everyone should exercise anyway, so if you don’t, you should consider doing so a few times a week. Experts feel that exercise not only can help you alleviate stress, but it might be able to lend a hand when it comes to working through your problems too.
Get Comfortable
Take some time to get comfortable when you are having a hard time relaxing. It doesn’t matter if you are working from home or watching television before bed, you should be comfortable. You may want to wear loose fitting clothes or outfits that keep you cool. Consider making sure your furniture is cozy as well, so you don’t have aches and pains when you are just trying to get your work done or put your feet up.
Take a Bath
Taking a bath may also help you lower your stress levels. After you have a hard day at the office or you need to soak your aching body, a bath may be just the thing. When you are in the tub, keep your mind clear and try not to worry. Use this time as a break. You can also place a few drops of essential oils in the bath to help you relax even more.
Do Something You Like
Being unable to relax can make you feel like you don’t want to do anything at all, even things that you like. However, you should try to stop and do something you enjoy before you become too stressed to do so. When you are having a trying day, schedule a time to stop and do something just for you. Take yourself out to lunch or read your favorite blog; anything that is able to keep you from worrying and being anxious can be beneficial.
Talk to a Friend
When you have hard times or encounter problems that you don’t know how to solve, you might want to talk to a friend about what is going on. They should be able to tell you what they would do in your situation, or just be there to listen to you if that’s what is necessary. In some instances, when you feel like you have too much to do, a loved one will be able to take on some of your burden, such as running your errands or aiding with a project you’re working on.
Visit a Therapist
Another person you should consider confiding in is a therapist. If you have tried many of the tips in this list and you still can’t relax, there may be something else going on. A therapist will be able to talk to you about what symptoms you are experiencing and offer treatment options as well. It is important to talk to a psychiatrist when you first notice that stress or anxiety is affecting your routine, since you will have a better chance of reversing it.
Relaxing is not always easy, but there are ways to alleviate this. You can do things just for you, take breaks when needed, exercise, and even talk to a therapist when you feel it is necessary.
