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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I’ve had to really focus and learn about stress management and ‘chilling’ out. It’s nearly impossible for me to chill, and I do not like that about myself. I have started yoga classes and I’ve found that not only does yoga build strength, but it also relieves stress. I also love Zen music and free-flowing water, like a gentle stream. The sound is intoxicating to me.
Great tips! Some good music and nature always works for me!
Relaxation is so important as a busy mom. I also love to put on good music and find a quiet place.
I do love being outside if I can, relaxing down by the beach with a good book. In the winter I love a bubble bath with a good book.
A good book is my escape. My husband prefers nature, so his relaxation time usually involves a bicycle and the woods.
I need to take some of these tips and make them happen! Thanks for sharing.
I always feel more relaxed in nature. Just yesterday I took my laptop to work outdoors with the only view farm country…I wasn’t relaxing exactly but it was a much needed calming work environment!
I like to relax by reading a good book or my favorite magazine. Watching my favorite South Asian soaps or surfing the net on my iPad is also something I enjoy.