Ditch The Hustle Culture! Here Are Some Essential Relaxation Tips for Anyone Who Doesn’t Know How to Relax
Are you one of the many victims of hustle culture? In the last few years, most of us have been led to believe that we need to make the most out of every minute of our day. It’s now common to listen to podcasts while washing dishes and read self-help books instead of fiction. Productivity is surely an admirable skill but when rest is synonymous with guilt, stress becomes unavoidable. Here are 12 essential relaxation tips for anyone who doesn’t know how to relax.
Hot tub
A great way to relax is to treat yourself to a warm bath. Drop a colorful bath bomb in the water, light up some candles, and put a relaxing playlist on. You’ll be surprised by how different your attitude towards life will be after a few minutes in the hot water.
Focus on the now
The best-seller book The Power Now, written by Eckhart Tolle, claims that unhappiness is caused by our inability to focus on the present moment. According to it, stress is always associated with a hypothetical future situation. In other words, if we were to always be present and focus on the ‘now’ rather than worrying about a future we can’t control, we would never feel stressed.
You deserve relaxation
Hustle culture has led us to believe that we need to be productive every moment of our lives. This is why so many people now feel guilty for simply taking some time to relax. If you recognize yourself in this pattern try to remind yourself that you should ‘work to live’ and not ‘live to work’. Taking time off work should never make you feel guilty.
Listen or play some music
Music can have a soothing effect on your soul. Whenever you’re feeling stressed, opt for some jazz, classical music, lo-fi, or whatever other genre helps you calm down. When selecting music for relaxation, consider incorporating nature sounds, such as ocean waves or bird songs, which can evoke a sense of serenity and connection to the natural world.
Plan a trip
If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed for some time, you may want to opt for a weekend getaway. Choose a place you always wanted to visit, book a hotel room for a few nights, and pack your belongings. But remember! Don’t fill up your days with hundreds of tourist activities, or you may return home feeling more exhausted than when you left.
Get a massage
Sometimes, stress is rooted in our bodies rather than our minds. In these cases, getting a massage can be a great way of letting go of all your build-up tension.
The bigger picture
Our anxiety is often linked to futile events and situations. Focusing on the bigger picture can help you get out of your negative loop. Whenever you’re feeling stressed, ask yourself, ‘ Will this matter in a year from now?’
Rest
When was the last time you did nothing? In a society constantly pushing us to achieve more, we often feel guilty whenever choosing to rest. So, head to your bed, lie down, and stare at the ceiling for a little while. Trust us, you deserve this.
Breathing
The National Health Service of England suggests trying this breathing technique for five minutes to reduce stress. Sit or lie down in a comfortable position and let your breath flow deep down your belly. Breathe in through your nose while slowly counting from one to five and then breathe out from your mouth, counting again from one to five.
Digital Detox
According to the Guardian, the digital era is also responsible for higher levels of stress. Our constant need to check our phones and seek distractions has led to an inability to relax and let go of our thousands of duties. Opting for a digital detox will help you regain that much-needed relaxation.
Get some fresh air
Sometimes, a walk in nature is all you need. Head to the closest park to your apartment or, if you live in the countryside, simply go outside in your garden and spend some time sitting on the grass.
Pet your pet
Animals have the power to calm us down and reduce our stress levels. Pet your cat for a few minutes, play with your hamster, or take your dog out for a walk. If you don’t have a pet, you can consider volunteering at a local shelter.
