In our busy, fast-paced world, it seems as though everyone wants a piece of you. As a result, relaxation has to take a back seat in favor of filling your free time with social activities and family obligations.
But taking some time out to relax your mind and body isn’t selfish or lazy, it’s very necessary. Constant updates, overstimulation, and multitasking can take their toll on our mental health. It’s not unusual, then, to feel mentally exhausted at the end of a long day. So much so that all you have the energy for is watching TV on the sofa, even though yet more artificial stimulation is far from the best way to relax your mind.
Instead, what your brain needs is some downtime. Keep reading to find out how to achieve it.
- Focus on Your Breathing
Even when you’re pushed for time, taking steps to relax your mind can help give you the mental energy you need to continue with work, studying, or other challenging mental tasks. In these situations, pausing for a moment and concentrating on your breathing can help center your thoughts and help you feel a lot calmer as a result. Check out Breathwrk for free guided breathing exercises.
To try this method for yourself, start by breathing in through your nose and pushing the air out through your mouth. Drop your shoulders to ease some of the accumulated physical tension in your body, and let your hands relax by your sides.
If you need some help slowing down your breathing, counting can help. Count to four as you breathe in and then again as you breathe out. Counting can also help take your mind off other tasks and bring your focus back.
- Listen to Music
As well as serving as a distraction from boring tasks, music can relax your mind and help you connect with your emotions.
Instead of using music as background noise, turn your focus to the lyrics, the gentle lilt of the singer’s voice, or the way the different instruments come together. For once, stop and really listen to a song you love. Feel free to sing along, or sit back with your headphones on and close your eyes as you let other thoughts fade away.
- Enjoy Small Daily Rituals
One of the best ways to relax your mind is to slow down and turn small everyday acts into rituals.
This means no more gulping down a cup of coffee standing up in the kitchen while you scroll social media. Instead, take five minutes to sit down and relax your mind as you experience the calming power of Etanicals kratom tea. Or in the evening, instead of slumping in front of the TV, read a book and enjoy some quiet time while the kids are in bed.
These rituals can be anything you find enjoyable and relaxing, from playing with your pet to moisturizing your face. The important part is to ensure you give this task your full attention. By being present in the moment, your mind can regain clarity and calm through focusing on one simple activity.
- Spend Time in Nature
One of the best ways to relax your mind and get a physical and mental health boost at the same time is to spend time in nature.
Nature has such a profound effect on our well-being that even looking at photos of green spaces can help lower stress levels. So, while we’d recommend taking a walk in the countryside or a local park, looking through a nature magazine is one of the more accessible ways to relax your mind if you’re unable to get outside.
If you’re lucky enough to live near a lake, river, or ocean, spending time by a body of water is even better for relaxing your mind and restoring your sense of calm.
- Get Creative
Of the many different ways to relax your mind, creative activities such as drawing, crafting, or sewing can be some of the most calming and centering. There’s just something about losing yourself in an artistic project that relaxes your mind and allows your stresses to melt away.
Even if you don’t consider yourself very artistic, focusing on the process of creation rather than the finished product helps you feel more present. And you can always try an activity that’s more your style, such as baking or trying new makeup looks.
- Exercise
Most people rule out exercise as one of the different ways to relax your mind. But physical activity is a great way to focus on your physical being and quieten your mind at the same time.
Activities such as dance, yoga, or Pilates are especially effective as they help bring your thoughts back to your physical movements, allowing your mind and body to become one again. Although, we’d recommend following a class. This way, you only have to concentrate on following the instructor’s moves rather than coming up with a routine.
Or, if you want to go it alone, anything from stretching to running is great for centering your thoughts and relaxing your mind.
- Pamper Yourself
Does all that physical activity sound a little too strenuous for you? If so, you might prefer to unwind with one of the best ways to relax your mind and body – a pampering session. Depending on what you prefer you can visit an infrared sauna Sydney, go to a spa, or even get a massage.
For those of you with the budget to cover it, a full-body massage is a great way to release stress and tension from your mind and body. Or, you could indulge in some DIY pampering in the comfort of your own home by lighting some candles and lying back in a warm bath.
How to Relax Your Mind
Taking time out of your schedule to relax your mind is essential for your health and well-being. After all, your brain is a muscle and it needs some downtime too.
So, next time you feel your brain starting to frazzle with information overload, put your phone down, turn your TV off, and try one of these ways to relax your mind instead.
Looking for more informative articles like this? Be sure to check out our other health and lifestyle blog posts today!