Relaxation is NOT something that comes easy to us humans. If you are like me, relaxing even when you have the time is really difficult. In fact, I am not sure I even know how. Shutting down, or turning it off and NOT doing something feels wrong to me. It is a very foreign feeling. I have read countless articles on this. I usually get the following general guidelines –
- Be careful with tech, do not use it to relax. It is artificially stimulating the same part of your brain that work does. So you are not really relaxing.
- Teach your self to just “take a break” instead of “shutting down.” You will accept taking a brief pause more likely then a complete shutdown.
- Change your environment, preferably somewhere in nature. Organic surroundings are better for relaxation then inorganic ones.
- Mindfulness mediation
- Breathing exercises
The most helpful idea, however, has been the notion of practice. Deliberately make a habit out of breaks and pauses. When you are in crisis mode, force yourself to pause and break and give yourself a few moments away from the stress. Train yourself to get out of the stressful environment for a few moments.