10 No-Nonsense Relaxation Tips

Do you feel like your world is spinning out of control sometimes? I am sure we have all felt that way at some point. The busyness of life can create tremendous stress and pressure on us until we feel like we might explode if we don’t get some rest.

The greatest problem, aside from not slowing down long enough to relax, is not knowing how to relax. If you have been living your life in the fast lane for years, you may have forgotten how to relax. Maybe you would like to be able to just chill out for a bit, but it’s been so long that you don’t even know how to do just that. Here are some really simple, no-nonsense tips for relaxing. I hope they help you!

1) Stop rushing around. Has anyone ever told you that you walk too fast? Do you feel like you’re always running from one place to another, yet you’re not even sure why you’re in such a hurry? Consciously remind yourself often to simply slow down. While you’re busy rushing from one thing to another, your life is passing you by.

2) Take a deep breath. Many people are not aware of their breath. They breathe in and out, but are never aware of this very simple part of life. As you slow down, draw in a long, deep breath. Now slowly release it. If you are feeling especially wired up, repeat this process several times.

3) Stop trying to be perfect. Perfectionism drives many to self-torture. The thing about perfection is that it is an illusion. There is no such thing as a perfect life, perfect family, perfect car, or perfect job. Your life is what it is. So stop trying to make it fit into a specific shape.

4) Plan one special, lazy day every week. I know what some of you are thinking. You’re thinking that I’m crazy. You’re probably also thinking that your life is way too full and involved for you to even consider taking one day off, let alone being lazy. You’re right…and that’s why you feel so stressed out all the time, too. Try it just one month. Take one day off each week and do nothing but be lazy. I’ll bet you’ll feel more relaxed than you have in a long time.

5) Stay silent. One of the most difficult things for people to do is be quiet. Our world is filled with hums and buzzes and we don’t even realize it. Unplug everything. Find a quiet spot. Sit and be still and silent. Push away every thought that tries to disturb your peace.

6) Sit alone for 20-30 minutes every day. Another thing we seem to struggle with is the ability to be alone. We are so accustomed to our lives being filled with stuff and other people that many of us rarely take time just to be alone. Find a few minutes every day to be with yourself. Experience your thoughts and feelings. Embrace who you are. Acknowledge your flaws and love yourself anyway.

7) Hire a housecleaner. For those who are two-income families, it is challenging to find time to settle down and relax. After work, you have plenty other family duties to fulfill and there’s realistically no time to relax. If you fit this bill, try something as simple as hiring a housecleaner if you can fit it into your budget. Then plan to spend those few hours every week participating in some form of relaxation.

8) Let the kids cook dinner. Believe it or not, you don’t have to be a Super Parent. As your children grow older, teach them responsibility by doling out household chores. These are life lessons they need to know. More importantly, when everyone pulls together, you will feel much less stress.

9) Plan a weekend getaway. Sometimes you have to take more drastic measures. When times call for such a thing, plan a special weekend getaway. If you are married, you don’t necessarily have to take your spouse. If they have prior obligations, don’t let that stop you from getting away and relaxing. Taking some time off and away could be just the thing you need to relax.

10) Take a family vacation. Not only do adults need to relax, but so do children. If your children are displaying signs of fatigue or stress, don’t brush it off. Plan a fun family vacation and help your kids relax. Having fun together as a family is one of the best ways for you to all relax!