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Saturday 13 February 2016

Relax : 10 Ways to De-Stress


In a world which at times seems to be moving ever faster, and many are constantly running to keep up with it, should we perhaps just say 'stop' and take time to chill out, relax, de-stress?
I saw this article by Alison Paton, she raised some interesting points. See what you think.

"Go for a short walk: We often associate walking with stress, trying to get to work or to the next meeting. We are physically moving forward but our minds are elsewhere; our to do list, the disagreement you had yesterday or what you are having for lunch. Mindful walking teaches you to be in the hear and now. Notice what is going on around you, listen to the sounds, feel the ground beneath your feet; the muscles in your body working. Try practising mindful walking on your way to work - or better still visit your nearest green space for an evening stroll.

Colouring for adults: It may sound silly but adult colouring books are the new trendy way to de-stress and practise mindfulness. They give adults a creative outlet, it doesn't require much logical thinking and is very nostalgic - think back to the last time you coloured in, I bet you didn't even know what the word stress meant, let alone experienced it (and please don't stress out about colouring out of the lines!)

Read a book: When's the last time you got into bed early and lost yourself in a good book. As we get older we can suppress our creative imaginations, focusing too much on the seriousness of real life. And if you don't have time to read a novel there are plenty of short story books out there waiting for you to lose yourself in.

Write for fun: Or better still, why not try writing a short story, or maybe even try your hand at poetry. But make sure you are doing it for fun. As a writer I sometimes forget to enjoy it and focus too much on deadlines, getting the next post out and basically writing because I have to and not because I want to. Remember, this is for you and for no-one else.

Stretching: Morning, noon and night - take some time out to stretch. Whether you're practising yoga, working on mobility or simply stretching to wake yourself up - get your mat out and do it! You can even take time to stretch at your desk - there are plenty of short videos out there showing you how!

Write to do lists: Sometimes sleep is the only time I get to truly de-stress, and even then I start thinking of everything I need to do the next day, week, month and things that may not even happen. If this sounds all too familiar make sure you write a 'to do' list every night before you go to bed. Get your thoughts out of your head and on to paper - then forget about them until the morning when you're ready to take action.

Establish a routine: You may see the weekend as a time to go out and party, or to catch up on sleep but try to go to bed and get up at the same time. Once your body establishes a routine you'll more likely be able to relax.

Breathe: Yes, breathing is the most natural thing we do, but do we really concentrate on the breath to ensure its of good quality. Our day to day breathing is generally very shallow and we don't even notice we are doing it. I suggest taking up to 10 minutes out of your day to relax and concentrate on breathing deeply; feel how your stomach expands and retracts with each breath. Both yoga and meditation are also great ways to practise quality breathing. Trust me, you'll feel like a pretty large weight has been lifted off your shoulders.

Put on some music: Lets forgo the heavy metal and rap for this one and put something on a little more chilled. Maybe some classical music or some chilled out vibes. Research suggests that listening to music can relax the body, decreasing your heart rate and blood pressure. So next time you're writing that stressful paper, or stuck in a traffic jam pop on some Mozart or some Bach and get cracking!

Switch off: This one is so important as we live in a world where technology is at the forefront of everything we do - when last thing at night and first thing in the morning we check FB/IG/Twitter or our emails. Looking at your screen up to 2 hours before bedtime can make it harder for you to fall asleep and can seriously damage the quality of sleep you are getting; not to mention seeing the stress inducing email we forgot to respond to at work that day, or the model on Instagram that makes you start hating your body at 11 o'clock at night. I even suggest a no phone day once a month, this takes away the convenience of being able to check your social media at any given minute meaning you have to create set times to go onto the computer."

Well, what did you think of the suggestions?

Will you be trying some?

Whatever you decide - here's to a relaxing and stress free time...

I'm going to take a few minutes out with a refreshing cuppa!


All the best Jan

16 comments:

eileeninmd said...

Hello, great post and suggestions. I heard of the adult coloring books. I like walking and I am working on a puzzle too. Reading is always relaxing too. Happy Saturday, enjoy your weekend!

Anonymous said...

Bought one of the adult colouring books the other week and would definitely recommend them.
Switching off from technology is not easy but I can see the point in doing so. It just may be hard to do it.

Sue

Lisa said...

My mum loves colouring, I bought her a book for Christmas and she loves it. You do get so absorbed in what you're doing.
A good walk is marvellous for clearing those cobwebs, I have been trying a breathing technique. It's a new habit I'm trying to take up so it's a bit hit and miss at the mo but I do feel the benefit of it when I remember.
I'm going to switch off in a minute and go and find my book, good advice.
Lisa x

Anonymous said...

It is not always easy to sit and relax always so much to do. I do like to sit and enjoy a cup of tea or coffee that is relaxing

Jenny S

Red Rose Alley said...

Some of these are very soothing and calming. Writing is nice, and I love to read poetry too. I've heard about these adult coloring books. It sounds like something I'd like since I used to love to color as a kid. :) Tea is always nice too.

~Sheri

Draffin Bears said...

Hi Jan,

So many great ideas here and thanks for sharing.
Here in this busy world we need to relax and slow down and yes a cuppa is always a good thing. Lovely music also - thanks
Hope you are enjoying the weekend
hugs
Carolyn

Lowcarb team member said...

Eileen
Yes, reading can be very relaxing can't it.
I think we all need to try and take time out ...

Many thanks for your comment

All the best Jan

Lowcarb team member said...

Sue
The adult colouring books are on all the shop / supermarket shelves and many enjoy sitting and relaxing this way.
I do agree, I think a switch off from technology is not easy - especially for the young and bloggers!!

Many thanks for your comment

All the best Jan

Lowcarb team member said...

Lisa
Glad that your mum enjoys the colouring books and I can understand the absorption with them.
Hope you continue with your breathing technique sounds a good meditation tool too.
... and that sounds good to me, switch off, with a good book and a cuppa!

Many thanks for your comment

All the best Jan

Lowcarb team member said...

Jenny
I think we have to almost plan into our day a few minutes to sit and relax ... and if it includes a cuppa! Well that's fine with me!

Many thanks for your comment

All the best Jan

Lowcarb team member said...

Sheri
Poetry is so good to read isn't it, just make sure the kettle goes on first and then sit and relax ...

Many thanks for your comment

All the best Jan

Lowcarb team member said...

Carolyn
I thought there were some good ideas and tips here too - and always good to share things like this. We all need to sit and relax and re-charge our batteries (so to speak)!

Many thanks for your comment

All the best Jan

Martha said...

All wonderful suggestions. I especially like the one about switching off! This is so important.

Lowcarb team member said...

Martha
Yes, all suggestions are good but I think the hardest is that last one - switching off.
In these modern days of technology ... I suspect for most of us, it is the hardest!

Many thanks for your comment

Al the best Jan

chris c said...

My mother lived to be 95 and right up to the end she was walking, reading, doing crosswords and sudoku and jigsaw puzzles.

Lowcarb team member said...

Chris
My Dear Dad at 90 yrs still walks, reads, does crossword puzzles etc. I think activity for all is important ... both for body and mind. Activities like this can also help you relax or de-stress ... which in turn must help with health and longevity.
I guess we all have to find out what we most enjoy and make a concerted effort to take time out, especially from the technology!

Wishing you a relaxed evening - hope you have a nice bottle of wine open!

All the best Jan