Most of us are constantly on the move and often forget to take a moment and relax during our busy lives. It's also easier said than done, but relaxation is extremely important for our physical, mental, and emotional health. It allows us to think clearly, slow down, and recharge ourselves. 

We all relax in different ways, but if you're struggling to find what works best for you, we've put together our top 7 relaxation techniques that you can start using right now!

Focus on Your Breath

If you start feeling nervous or anxious, try this short breathing exercise to help you calm down and clear your mind. 

1. Breathe in for 4 seconds
2. Hold your breath for 7 seconds
3. Exhale for 8 seconds
4. Repeat

Deep breathing is the body’s natural relaxation response. It increases the supply of oxygen to your brain and stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system. The result is a state of calm.

Enjoy a Spa Day at Home

Treat yourself to a relaxing bath and at-home facial. It’s a great way to have a little “me” time without spending a fortune at the spa.

Start by creating a little oasis in your bathroom. Turn on relaxing music and light some aromatherapy candles.

Draw a warm bath, and add a couple drops of mood-boosting essential oil. 

Before you get in to soak, start your facial by cleansing your face and applying the mask of your choice. Then get comfortable and unwind. Read a good book or just take some deep breaths.

Never done a facial before? Don’t worry! We’ve got you covered. Jump over to How to Do a Facial in 5 Easy Steps for everything you need to know.

Remove your mask with a washcloth before you get out of the tub and gently pat your face dry with a clean towel. Apply moisturizer to your skin and complete your normal skincare regimen.

You’ll be surprised how refreshed and relaxed you feel afterwards! 

Meditate For Five Minutes

Meditation can seem intimidating, or even like a waste of time to some people. You don’t need to sit in silence for 24 hours and clear your mind of all thoughts! It can be as simple as reflecting on your thoughts, actions, and feelings for two minutes in the morning.

If you’re new to meditation, here’s how you get started! Sit somewhere that’s quiet and comfortable. Softly focus your eyes on the floor just in front of you. Breathe naturally and pay attention to your breath. If your mind wanders, just let the thought go and return your focus back to your breath. Some beginners find it easier to focus by counting up to 10 on the exhale. If you lose track of your count or get distracted by a thought, start over at one.

Instead of reaching over and looking at your phone first thing in the morning, try counting breaths, thinking positively, and prepare your mind and body for the day ahead. 

Go for a Walk in Nature

Take a break & go for a walk. It doesn’t have to be long. Just get your body moving and take in the fresh air.   

Walks can be extremely therapeutic, especially when they’re in nature, because it’s the perfect combination of exercise, nature and alone time.

Studies have shown that walking in nature can reduce stress and anxiety, boost self-esteem, and improve your overall health. In addition, exercise decreases tension, boosts circulation and fires off those lovely endorphins that make us feel good. 

Take a Yoga Class

Practicing yoga can help relax your body and mind relax. Yoga has been used for centuries to decrease pain and tension in the body, help posture, and improve breathing techniques.

Take a yoga class or try a couple of relaxing yoga poses at home. 

If you're pressed for time or want to start your yoga practice in the privacy of your own home, you can start with any of these beginner poses: Cat Pose, Child's Pose, Downward Dog, Knees to Chest, Cobbler's Pose, Reclining Twist or Corpse Pose. 

Be sure to check out your local yoga studio for options! And, if yoga isn’t your thing, any form of exercise is great for relaxation!

Make a Cup of Tea

Relax and unwind with a morning or afternoon tea ritual.

Tea is a powerful relaxation tool because it combines aromatherapy with ingesting naturally calming flowers, plants and herbs. Plus, the ceremony of preparing tea and sipping it slowly in a quiet place while you reflect on your day forces you to slow down and relax. 

Some of our favorite relaxation teas include Chamomile, Lavender, Ginseng and Peppermint. 

Keep Your Work at Work

We all struggle with worrying or stressing about work when we aren’t even working!  Every time you feel those work-related thoughts come into your head, remind yourself that it can’t be dealt with at the moment, and you will handle the situation when you get to work the next day.

When you're at home, be present. Family time is precious. Don’t waste it thinking about work!

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