Spinach is both nutritious and relaxing. (7713 Photography / Shutterstock.com) more
See full version: 5 DIY Tips for Relaxing After a Long Day LIST
Spinach is both nutritious and relaxing. (7713 Photography / Shutterstock.com) more
Your phone hasn’t stopped ringing, you promised your friends that you would make it for dinner but are running 20 minutes late and on top of that, you have a tight deadline at work – does any of this sound familiar? The pressures of daily life can be overwhelming, which is why it’s important to create moments of calm and peace as often as possible. While waving a magic hand doesn’t make the worries or stress disappear, there are ways to alleviate their effects and keep your head above water. Tapping into the five cardinal senses, we have compiled a list of DIY tips to relax and chill you out.
Food can be one of the most comforting ways to calm yourself down after a hectic day; but what you put in your body can adversely affect your mood. Choosing foods high in fat and sugar slows your metabolism, and secretes the “stress” hormone cortisol into your bloodstream.
GET STARTED WITH: The green leafy vegetable spinach is jam packed with magnesium, a mineral that helps regulate cortisol levels and loosens muscles along with a host of other positive effects. Prepare yourself a spinach-rich meal or smoothie by trying out these 30 spinach recipes for superfood meals.
EASY ALTERNATIVE: If you can’t stomach Popeye’s favorite vegetable, then get your sweet fix with dark chocolate. Packed with antioxidants, dark chocolate stimulates the brain to release happy chemicals otherwise known as beta endorphins. Just make sure to eat in moderation - the recommended intake is 1.5 to 3 ounces or 42 to 85 grams.
Getting a massage is not only about unwinding, but through rubbing the right muscles, the body relaxes and circulation is improved. While most of us don’t have a masseuse on call 24-7, there are ways to physically chill out such as giving your head a delightful rub.
GET STARTED WITH: Make your own scalp massager with a DIY tutorial from Instructables.
EASY ALTERNATIVE: If a scalp massager seems too labor intensive, then check out how to give yourself a calming hand massage by watching a three-and-a-half minute video. [links]
Yoga practice is a fantastic option for all body types and abilities. Your local YMCA probably even offers seated yoga. If going to a class will only cause you more stress (we get it!), look on YouTube or hit the local thrift or consignment shops for cheap DVDs. Will you love everything you try? No. But, if you haven’t spent a ton of money, it won’t feel like such a letdown. Just take it back or pass it on. here
Ever have a “hippy-dippy” teacher lead your class through this relaxation exercise before a big test? No? Just us? It’s another great way to refocus your thoughts. Start by creating tension in your body (you’ll probably notice some is already there). This will look like: Making fists, curling your toes, and clenching your teeth. Take long, slow breaths. Start from the top or bottom of your body and, as you breathe, focus on relaxing those muscles. Wiggle your toes, flex your feet, bend and straighten your legs, clench and release your ab muscles, etc. more
A telltale sign of stress is a clenched jaw. Sometimes you don’t even know you’re doing it. So, to prevent wear or cracks in your teeth, here’s how you can unclench and relax.
While Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) might not be for everyone, it can really help in stressful situations. During moments of big feelings, it’s easy to spiral. Being mindful of the situation you’re in and refocusing your thoughts can help. Take a few deep breaths and slowly work your way through finding:
Three Things You See
Three Things You Hear
Three Things You Smell
Three Thinks You Feel (Physically) more
Closing your eyes and taking slow, deep breaths helps because you’re focusing on the length and pace of your breathing. Looking for guidance? Everyone’s favorite neighbor, Daniel Tiger, gives a great demonstration.
This chair has a plastic frame, which is the least durable option. We’re not sure how long it will hold up. more
Questions to Ask Yourself Before You Shop
Don’t worry, we have tested and researched recliners extensively, and provided you with a comprehensive buying guide, along with a list of what we think are the most comfortable recliners to help you find the best recliner for you.
Ultrasuede and leather are both very chic and very durable. If you’re looking for something a bit less pricey you may also want to consider wool or linen. [links]
A collection of relax quotes to remind you to take the time to relax and enjoy life. Relaxation and rest is need by everyone! more
To relax is not always what it may seem. Sometimes it means to go on a holiday and forget everything that lays behind. Sometimes, it is getting down to work and stopping unnecessary tasks that lead to the feeling of being overwhelmed. And sometimes it is just sitting and reading a book or listening to music, taking time to recharge your batteries!
To relax or unwind is something that everyone needs to do. Read these famous words said by people of all professions.
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