There are different techniques to help you relax whenever you’re busy. Like other useful techniques, it takes time to learn how to practice them. Read on to learn more about some simple relaxation techniques that you can use – even when you’re busy.
Breathe steadily and simply notice your breath.
Taking steady breaths is a simple way to help you feel relaxed almost immediately. Understand that taking fuller breaths helps reduce tension, more than taking shorter, shallower breaths. Being aware of your breath helps to relax and focus your mind, without you having to stop anything that you’re doing. To help you remember, you can post a little note saying “how’s your breathing?” on your desk, computer or your car.
Make a note with the phrase ‘letting go of stress and being at ease’, and post it somewhere that catches your eye.
Simply seeing this often helps guide your mind to let go of unnecessary stressful thought patterns and postural tensions. Over time, this can help make you shift into a more relaxed attitude that makes you feel more at ease.
Find pictures of nature and other relaxing sceneries, and post them where you can easily see them.
Human beings are natural creatures and thrive in natural surroundings. If you spend most of your time indoors place images of beautiful natural images around you. If you use your imagination to engage with the natural scene as if you were there, it will help to calm and relax your mind
You might find it interesting to make a ‘relaxation vision board’, and create a collage of relaxing images and words there. Take a moment each day to look at these to remind you to enjoy more relaxing moments.
Take a walk outdoors.
Spending time out in the sun and fresh air can be a great way to help you relax. This can be a great way to break up the habit of a busy lifestyle. Do what you can to spend a few minutes each day outside. Breathe fresh air, and simply notice the sounds and the beautiful colors around you. For instance, if you’re living in a city like Sheffield, it’s usual to be able to see trees and hear birds, even in the city.
You might not usually find it relaxing to walk out in the busy streets. If you’re focusing on the traffic, rubbish or crowds it won’t be such a good experience. If you place your attention on the breeze, the space, the greenery, the birds or clouds passing by, it could be just the ‘mini-break’ you needed.
If you can’t take a walk outside, you can still take the time to simply imagine what it’s like to be outdoors. Your mind will still get the ‘wellbeing hit’ from a vividly imagined beautiful place.
Be here now
Another way of helping you relax is to paying attention to what’s going on around you in the present moment. This is called a mindfulness practice. Engage all your senses and appreciate your ability to let go of worries, if only for a moment.
No time to relax?
Understand that everybody (that includes you) needs to find time for relaxation. When you’re busy, this can seem almost impossible. Finding time in your diary for relaxation can seem to add to the stress you already have. However, it’s important understand that making time for relaxation is just as important as your other appointments in your calendar.
It can be a good idea to book slots in your diary for a relaxing massage or another natural therapy treatment. You may want to practice a guided relaxation exercise, or have a good go at trying different meditation techniques.
Take control of your relaxation timetable
If you think that your current lifestyle is too stressful, make the decision to shift to a healthier lifestyle that includes relaxation.
Find ways to reduce stressors. Let go of unnecessary things in your life that are causing you too much stress. Make an effort to eat healthily, and let go of some unhealthy eating habits. Most importantly, understand that your mind and body need a good rest. So, get yourself a proper amount of sleep at night and find time to simply enjoy a relaxing treat once in a while.
If you’d like to hear about our new and user-friendly classes and workshops, then subscribe to our Mindfulness Mavericks newsletter using the button below.