Prioritizing time for relaxation is important for your mental health. In today’s fast-paced world, many people are dealing with high levels of stress, which can have a negative impact on their mental health over time. Regularly relaxing can help manage stress, improve sleep, lower blood pressure, boost the immune system, enhance focus and attention, and improve overall well-being.
Planning out your relaxation and building it into your schedule can help you prioritize your mental health and make time for self-care. Here are some steps you can take to plan out your relaxation and build it into your schedule:
- Identify the relaxation techniques that work best for you: whether it’s meditation, deep breathing, yoga, or spending time in nature.
- Determine how much time you need for relaxation: For example, 5-10 minutes for deep breathing exercises or 30 minutes for a yoga class. Once you determine your needed time, you can allocate that time in your schedule.
- Schedule relaxation time into your daily or weekly schedule: Set aside a specific amount each day for relaxation, such as 15 minutes in the morning or 30 minutes before bed.
- Be consistent: Consistency is key in building relaxation into your schedule. Try to stick to your schedule as much as possible and make relaxation a regular part of your routine.
- Be flexible: Don’t stress if your plans change and you can’t engage in your regular relaxation routine, don’t stress. Instead, try to find another time during the day or week to make up for it.
If you are short on time, there are several ways to relax in 5 minutes or less that can reduce stress and promote a sense of calm such as:
- Deep breathing
- Mindful Meditation
- Progressive muscle relaxation
- Visualization
- Stretching
- Listening to calming music
- Take a quick walk
By setting aside time for relaxation, you can take action to manage your mental health. Find what works best for you and try to incorporate these practices into your daily or weekly routine to reduce stress and promote a sense of calm.
By, Coach Mariah