My father had come to visit the boys and me while hubby was on a three-week work trip. It happened to be a long weekend as one of those holiday Mondays was coming up. I sat with my legs curled under me on the sofa enjoying my father’s company. At some point, I confessed to him that I didn’t feel right sitting on the couch all day doing nothing. Without missing a beat, he angled his body in my direction as he sat in the swivel armchair across from me. He said, “You have to learn how to relax. It’s ok not to have anything to do.”

I took those words to heart. And I refer back to them whenever I feel the urge to do everything except be still. Here’s something to remember:

THE IMPORTANCE OF RELAXATION

1. Rest and rejuvenation: it allows your mind and body to rest, recharge, and recover from the demands of daily life.
2. Stress reduction: helps to reduce stress levels and promote mental well-being.
3. Increased productivity: taking the time to relax actually improves productivity by refreshing your mind, enhancing focus, and boosting creativity.

HOW TO RELAX

1. Tell Yourself it’s Ok to Relax: We don’t give ourselves permission quite enough. When you know it’s time to recharge but feel the urge to do everything but, give yourself grace. Let it be ok to rest.
2. Deep Breathing: Take a few moments to focus on your breath. Inhale deeply through your nose, filling your lungs, and exhale slowly through your mouth. Deep breathing activates the body’s relaxation response and can help calm your mind and reduce stress.
3. Progressive Muscle Relaxation: Start from your toes and work your way up, consciously tensing and then releasing each muscle group in your body. This technique helps release tension and promotes physical relaxation.
4. Disconnect and Unplug: Take a break from technology and give yourself a digital detox. Turn off your phone, step away from screens, and engage in activities that don’t involve technology. Disconnecting from constant notifications and distractions can help you unwind and find inner calm.
5. Spend Time Outdoors: Being in nature, connecting with the Earth has a calming effect on the nervous system. It helps shift the body from a state of stress (fight-or-flight) to a state of relaxation (rest-and-digest).
6. Practice Grounding: This is the practice of laying on the ground, feeling the Earth under your barefeet or submerging yourself in water. Grounding is often done outdoors, which provides an opportunity to disconnect from the demands of daily life.