Methods for Relaxing and Promoting Wellness
When possible, aim for holistic remedies to combat problems, relax you and promote wellness. Holistic remedies range from nutritious diets to aromatherapy.
Meditation
One of the best ways to start your day off right is to meditate for five minutes every morning. Sit comfortably in a quiet area of your home. Close your eyes and concentrate on your breathing – breathe in for three seconds and breathe out for four seconds. Breathing out longer than you breathe in is an instant relaxer, and a tip that you can use throughout the day as you start to get stressed. Visualize a peaceful setting, like a beach or a mountaintop. Alternatively, you can focus on a blank screen, such as a blank movie screen that’s slowly changing colors.
Exercise, including muscle strengthening, cardiovascular activity and stretching, is a great way to calm your body for the rest of the day. Shoot for at least 45 minutes of exercise most days per week. Strive to work out your muscles two of those days, and make sure to not do muscle strengthening two days in a row. Stretch every day or every other day. Use yoga moves to get a great, full-body stretch. Start with basic moves and graduate to more intense moves as you get comfortable with yoga.
Massage
While not everyone can afford regular trips to the spa, it is beneficial to your wellness to get regular massages. Visit a massage therapist instead of a regular masseuse at a spa – massage therapists will know exactly how to target your trouble spots, and medium or deep tissue massage will loosen up your muscles until your next massage appointment. Any time of spa treatment, if you can afford it, is great for relaxation, from facials to pedicures. Plus, most spa treatments come with a little bit of massage, too. For example, part of a manicure may be a hand and arm massage.
Nutrition
Watch your diet in order to promote wellness in your life. Get plenty of healthy fats, fruits, veggies and fiber in your diet, and limit sugar and caffeine intake. Replace your regular coffee habit with either decaf coffee or caffeine-free herbal tea. Reducing how much caffeine you have each day may ease your stress and promote relaxation – plus, you’ll be able to sleep better at night.
Light and Music
Holistic approaches to wellness include light therapy and music therapy. Plus, these types of treatments are relatively free. Aim to get outside for at least a few minutes each day – sun exposure will increase the Vitamin D in your body, not to mention brighten your mood. On overcast, rainy days, brighten up you home indoors by turning on a few lights and even adding fresh, brightly colored flowers to tabletops. Music therapy relies on different types of music to alter and improve your mood. See how you react to certain music styles – you may love to have classical music on while you work on your laptop, high-energy rap to get you pumped for a workout and soft, vocal music to wind you down at night.
Aroma
Aromatherapy is another great way to relax and unwind. There are many different ways to use aromatherapy. Peppermint can be used to ease headaches and stomach aches. Citrus scents will increase energy. Lavender is best for relaxation and also to combat depression.