From an early age, we hear things like “Don’t just sit there” or “Haven’t you got something to do?” Gradually, we stop taking breaks. And when we do relax, a nagging feeling tells us we should be doing something “more useful”. Yet relaxation is an essential part of looking after our mental health. And if you think resting is the easiest thing in the world, think again. There is a significant difference between doing nothing and relaxing in a way that leaves you feeling refreshed.

Without relaxation, we risk overwork or even burnout. While everyday life may place fewer demands on our physical strength than it once did, the mental demands of work are growing. Mobile phones, emails and social media mean that many people have to be available almost around the clock. Under these circumstances, mentally switching off from work can feel almost impossible.

1. Spend Some Time Offline

At least once a day, make space for your thoughts and feelings, set aside time for yourself and your family, and learn to spend some time offline. You do not have to be constantly available—you have a right to uninterrupted family time, too.

2. It Is Okay to Feel Low Sometimes

Try not to set yourself expectations that you already know are unrealistic. If you want to change something in your life, take it gradually and give yourself time.

If you try to change everything at once by following general advice such as “Surround yourself with people who make you feel good, put yourself first, get enough quality sleep, exercise regularly and eat a balanced diet,” your chances of lasting success are slim. And remember: it is okay to feel low sometimes.

3. Switch Off

Unfortunately, there is no magic formula that will teach you to relax on demand. In stressful moments, however, you can try a simple breathing exercise: focus on breathing in and out while counting to twenty.

If you feel very upset, try the familiar trick of giving your brain something else to focus on.

Many yoga poses involve maintaining your balance. One reason is that a brain busy keeping you steady has less room to dwell on troubling thoughts. Try practising your balance in Tree Pose or a standing balance with your torso leaning forwards and one leg extended behind you.

4. Choose a Different Kind of Activity to Unwind

After mentally demanding work, movement—ideally aerobic exercise—can be a good way to relax. But what if you want to unwind after physical activity? A hot tub, sauna, steam room or massage may be a better choice. Above all, avoid thinking of these activities as wasted time.

5. Choose Green Tea over Alcohol

A glass of wine may help us loosen up and ease tension. But if we regularly use alcohol to relax, it will eventually stop having the same effect, and we will need more of it. That is why choosing other drinks is a better option.

6. Let Nature Soothe Your Mind

Stress, tension and headaches are increasingly associated with spending too much time in front of screens. Just as physical activity benefits from rest—and vice versa—long periods of screen time call for a break, giving your eyes a chance to rest on the calming greenery of nature.

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Information source: editorial article