Image: Treatment Centers of America
Being able to relax is a skill that can be learned like any other – provided you practice constantly. In this article, we’ll give you techniques and tips to help you relax and ease the stress in your life.
In fact, there are several ways you can achieve this “relaxation response” that is so often talked about and used in therapy. Some of these are meditation, yoga and breathing exercises. But you don’t have to sit on a Lotus pose or be super flexible to enjoy the benefits of relaxation. Even something as simple as taking a stroll down by the ocean would do it.
You don’t need any special equipment; just use whatever is available such as lying in your bed, sitting under a tree or even taking an early morning walk around the neighborhood with your spouse/partner. If you’ve got all three of those options, then pick one that works for you and stick with it. It’s better to develop a habit because if you’re always changing what works for you each time, chances are things won’t change much at all.
Here are 5 things that can help you relax:
1. Large Bean Bag
A large bean bag is a favorite for relaxing. They can be used anywhere, from your bedroom to the living room or even your garden deck. The larger and softer they are the better.
Some of the larger bean bag chairs are big enough to fit a couple and it is very comfortable. They are much better than lying on the couch or leaning back in your recliner because they give you more room to stretch out and relax . You can put them almost anywhere, even outside on your balcony or deck but make sure that you use a cover if you do so, for safety reasons.
If you live in an apartment, then buy one large enough for both you and your partner. It doesn’t have to be expensive either; just look online for some cheaper but good quality ones and you’ll be able to stretch out as much as possible with no pressure points.
The best thing about a large bean bag is that it lets you relax your back muscles by putting pressure on them. If your furniture is too firm, then you might want to consider getting one for yourself.
If you’re going to buy one online, then look around for cheap options as well as quality ones. It isn’t hard to find a good one and the more comfortable it is, the safer it will be in case of any accidents (they can get quite warm from body heat).
You don’t have to stick with just a bean bag either; if you want something smaller or lighter, try out body pillows or bolsters instead. They are often made of memory foam which makes them very comfortable when used on the floor or on your bed. It also helps if you place them across the back part of a couch because it supports your neck and shoulders.
2. Reading Glasses
Reading glasses can really help you relax. If you’re reading in bed and wearing your normal glasses, then it can be a little uncomfortable. Glasses put pressure on your nose and temples which usually does not feel good when you are trying to relax or go to sleep.
There are several types of readers available online such as clip-ons and those with flexible arms. It helps if they don’t have any frames because that would just add more weight or pressure around the bridge of your nose. By removing these extra pieces, you’ll be able to lie down comfortably without feeling tired afterwards. The lighter the glasses are, the better it is for relaxation purposes.
If all else fails, try getting some prescription sunglasses instead. You tend to forget about them once they’re on; plus they can be used outside as well. The sunlight would also help to relax your eyes and you might even fall asleep on the spot so make sure that there’s nothing dangerous around like steps or a swimming pool.
3. Luxury Pool Floats
Luxury pool floats can be a huge help for relaxation and they come in all shapes and sizes. They are also available at most pool supply stores.
Pillows work well because you can tilt your head forward or back as you wish without feeling limited by anything (there’s no frame to hold you). You’re also free to move around however much as you want, from side to side, with no pressure points especially if the pillow is extra soft such as those made of polyurethane foam.
Also, since pillows do not weigh much, it would be easier on your arms as well when you’re moving them around. Just try not to lean on one side so that your body doesn’t get bent out of shape.
4. Massaging Products
Massage products can be used in several situations but their main purpose is to relax the body parts that you place them on. Some work best for your neck and shoulders, while others are meant to massage other areas of your body such as your calves or even feet. Since there’s no limit to what they can be applied to, it would be a good idea just to keep one or two around for occasional use. You could also put them under your mattress sheets if you’re too tired after a day at work then just lie down and let something else do all the work instead. Just make sure that you read up about how long each product should be left on before removing because some may get too hot underneath (then again, that would also be a good thing if you want to relax your muscles).
5. Noise Cancelling Headphones
If you’re listening to music or watching your favorite show, then you may want to consider getting some noise cancelling headphones. They can be worn around the ears and often cover part of your head as well. These types of headphones are great for blocking out most sounds in order to focus on what’s being played. There are also others available that have microphones built into them so they can double as a phone headset too (some work better than others though).
There are even wireless versions if you don’t want yourself tied down to wires or if space is an issue. You could easily move around and get up should someone need something from you without missing any parts of your program because it will still play in the background.
To conclude, relaxation is something all of us should take part in. Even a few minutes can help you to feel less stressed and more comfortable about your surroundings. It’s important to try and find a few activities that suit you best because then you won’t have any trouble following them through.
Most of all, if the method is comfortable and simple for you, then there shouldn’t be any issues with keeping it up in the long run. Most people would rather not spend time at home relaxing but you actually can. It’s also a great way to make sure that your mind and body are rejuvenated so that they can continue functioning normally during the day. Try these things for yourself and see how it works out for you. You may just find what suits you best.
