Relaxation is very important for mental health and wellbeing, and most busy moms don’t get nearly enough relaxation. No matter how fabulous your life is, there is sure to come a time when things get crazy and you desperately need to just chill out and relax. With summer break coming to an end and back to school preparations underway, many moms and dads are likely ready for a respite.
I used to be a real worrier. You know, one of those people who got stressed out over all of the what if’s in life. Maybe on occasion I even stuck my nose where it really didn’t belong and had a tendency to make other people’s problems my own. As if my own busy life wasn’t enough to be stressed out about.
I was always on the go… go… go and used to be one of those women who could never say no. My busy schedule and tendency to worry was a recipe for disaster. Over the years and a few therapy session later, I have figured out some ways to take a load off, chill out and relax. Here are 5 ways to chill out and relax the next time you are feeling stressed.
5 Ways to Chill Out and Relax
1. Pop in your earbuds and listen to some music you really like. Listen to some melodic, less intense music to really chill out. Listen to music that makes you feel happy.
2. Find a dark, quiet place to sit. Soft lighting will sooth you. Sit in your quiet place and just concentrate on breathing. Try to block everything else out of your mind. Breathe.
3. Use visualization. Try visualizing yourself at a favorite spot. Be as specific as you can. Note what’s around you. For me this place is the beach. Are you by the ocean? Is it a calm current or are the waves crashing? Can you smell the salt in the air? Are there people playing in the water?
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4. Be in nature. Head outside and go for a walk or sit on a bench or a blanket and let your mind get quiet. What do you see, hear and smell? Engaging your senses will help you to relax.
5. Make a list of things you are grateful for. When we are stressed, we tend to focus on everything that is wrong. Write down at least three good things that have happened to you. If you are thinking about the things that are going right in your life, there is no room for the things that aren’t.
Don’t sweat the small stuff. I know this might be easier said than done, but once I was able to stop worrying about things I cannot control I felt a sense of freedom. Life is much too short to worry about the little things that go wrong. Reserve your concern for the things that really matter.
What helps you to relax, refresh and recharge?
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What an awesome list! Being outdoors and exercising are wonderful relaxants of rme!
I’m pretty laid back so I stay pretty stress free. Sometimes it creeps up on me though.
Getting comfy in my bed and snuggling with my dogs always has a way of making me feel more relaxed!
Fantastic tips! I am a chronic worrier and need to step back often. I love listening the meditation apps. They make me feel so relaxed and zen.
I love any kind of distraction when I worry. I usually listen to music and try to find something to do to keep my mind off of things.
Great tips! Music helps me to chill and relax.
with 3 kids it’s hard to actually relax. But for me just going grocery shopping alone helps me.
I’m a worrier by nature. My husband really helps me calm down and look at the situation from a different perspective. I relax by making up a hot beverage or pouring a glass of wine and picking up a book to read some.
learning how to slow down and relax is a valuable tool. You had great tips for me to implement too.
I relax by going outside to work in the garden with my earbuds in. I get some good music and some great time outside.