While the idea of switching off and doing nothing sounds like bliss, being able to fully power down isn’t always possible, but if we don’t slow down from time to time we can burn out and that’s no good for anyone.
While it is hard to jet off and lie on a beach (or impossible) there are ways to tweak your routine so you can get back on the right track.
Sip Green Tea
Forget coffee and cola, if you want to ease the stress of life, sip on a cup of green tea. This is a good source of L-Theanine, a chemical that helps relieve anger, so boil the water, pour it out, and once it has cooled down, take a soothing sip and sit back and relax.
Meditate
You don’t need a mountain retreat to feel the benefits of meditation. Five minutes of peace in a quiet, comfortable spot will allow you to concentrate on your breath, and as you focus on the now, you will feel anxieties float away. Remember, the more you do it, the better you will feel.
Breathe
There is no easier way to relax than by taking slow, deep breaths. Doing this can also help lower your blood pressure and heart rate, and as you focus on each breath going into, and out of your mouth and nose, you will balance your mind and body, so it’s got to be worth a try?
Run Cold Water on Your Wrists
When stress hits, run cold water on your wrists and behind your ears. There are major arteries under the skin in these places on your body, so cooling them down can help calm you down too.
Brush Your Hair
We aren’t saying you look a mess, but repetitive actions such as running a brush through your hair, washing the dishes, or knitting can help your body relax. Give it a go, you might be pleasantly surprised.
Spend Time Alone
Just five minutes alone can help you collect your thoughts and clear your head. Whether it’s a meeting room at work, a bench in the park or even in your bathroom with the door locked, do it and be at one with yourself.
Do Some Yoga
The Vipariti Kirani yoga pose involves lying on the floor and resting your legs up against a wall, using blankets to balance if you need them. Not only does this give your body a really good stretch, but it helps create peace of mind too. If you enjoy this, why not take a class and feel all the benefits yoga has to offer on a regular basis?
Walk it Out
When you’re feeling overwhelmed or having trouble focusing, a walk around the block can have a big impact. Each walk will give you the benefits of alone time, physical activity, and a few minutes to gather your thoughts so you return to your desk feeling refreshed and focused.
Write It Down
‘Dear Diary’ doesn’t belong in the past and is certainly not just for teenagers. Putting pen to paper and journaling can get your emotions out of your head and help you make sense of things that seem too big right now. Try writing every day and you will soon find yourself with a new habit, a really positive one.
Dance to your favourite song
Beyoncé, Bieber or The Beatles, it doesn’t matter who it is, but breaking free and having a really good dance, with some singing thrown in too, can totally set you free. Do it outside, inside, on your own, with others – it doesn’t matter, just do it and feel the weight of the world melt away.
Team Pure Beauty