Setting Yourself Up To Relax

Everyone has their own ways that work best for them when it comes to relaxing and taking time off for yourself. It’s also not just about what you’re doing to relax, but how you set yourself up to do so. Many people even have a routine to get themselves ready for relaxation, because sometimes it’s not just as simple as collapsing on a couch and letting it happen. Without the proper setup, what you think is relaxation actually turns out to just be constant stress because you didn’t take the time you needed to settle down. Consider what you need to truly relax and do it!

For example, some people might require having certain chores done in order to properly take a load off. It might be the dishes that have been sitting for a while or the laundry that keeps piling up, because these are long-standing nags at the back of your mind that will continue to bother you while you’re trying to relax. If possible, see if you can knock off some of these tasks before you take your break, because it will only serve to cause you stress the entire time, ruining the point of taking some time for yourself.

When you’re trying to relax and get away from your other activities, choose something that you can be fully self-absorbed in. Personally, I have a few activities where I can lose myself in what I am doing, and that includes playing the piano, reading a book, or playing a game to pass the time. Each of these past-times take me completely into what I am doing and allows me to forget everything else that is stressing me out. This is a good thing for relaxing, but it can also be a hindrance: don’t forget to make a list for yourself if you are prone to forgetting these things when you sit down to relax, or you will REALLY be stressed when you find the thing you were going to do much farther into the future!

Make sure you prepare yourself before you start relaxing! Yes, there is sometimes a preparatory stage before you can actually get started, like getting out the cozy blanket, putting on warm clothes, getting a nice drink and setting the fireplace on if you are planning to have a warm winter reading session. These can make all the difference when it comes to taking care of yourself, and will likely mean your self-care session is even more self-caring, leaving you awake, relaxed, and refreshed!

One of the other important things about relaxing is that you actually don’t HAVE to do anything at all. Sometimes, the best thing for your body might just be a good old fashioned afternoon nap. In fact, there are some studies that show people who take 15-20 minute naps will often feel more productive and refreshed. The most important thing about taking your breaks is listening to what your body is trying to tell you. There is a wealth of information you can learn just by paying attention to your body’s responses and understanding why you would feel the way that you are in a given circumstance.

Finally, make sure that you actually set some you-time aside. You deserve it, and it is very important for your well-being and mental health. It’s time to get back to happy and healthy!