We live in a world where staying busy and being productive are often put on a pedestal.
This means too many of us let our rest and relaxation slide to the bottom of our priorities list.
With so much going on in your day-to-day life—work, relationships, money, hobbies—it can be tough to find the ‘off’ switch and enjoy some much-needed downtime. In fact, these days, it’s common to feel lazy if we try to slow down and recharge.
But there’s a cost to staying ‘on’ all the time, and before you know it, your lack of relaxation can take a mental and physical toll. Suddenly you’re wondering where this new neck pain came from or why you’re having sleepless nights. And these new symptoms can lead to further stress, making it even harder to relax. It’s a vicious cycle!
You might try to ignore your symptoms or avoid addressing their root cause, but the issue will only get worse if left unchecked. The only way to treat mental and physical stress is to prioritize relaxation.
If you’re frequently stressed and feel like you ‘just need to relax’, but you’re not sure how to go about doing it, you’re in the right place. I’ve got some tips that can help.
Causes of stress
Whether it’s getting stuck in traffic and being late for work or dealing with health issues or money problems—we all deal with a certain amount of stress from time to time.
And we all handle it differently. Some people have a higher threshold for stress, while others might be overwhelmed by things that seem small at face value.
Typical sources of stress in everyday life include:
Work
More than 1 in 3 workers report that work is their main cause of tension and stress. And it’s easy to see why! It’s where most of us spend the majority of our time, and our livelihoods tend to depend on us keeping our jobs. Plus, demanding workloads, unsupportive bosses, or conflict with colleagues can all negatively impact our mental and physical health both on and off the clock.
Money troubles
Financial worries are one of the biggest causes of stress, relationship issues, and general unhappiness. With the rising cost of living, if you’re managing debt or expenses are piling up, it can feel impossible to cope—let alone relax.
Personal relationships
Struggling with conflict in your marriage, family, or close friendships can wear down your mental health over time. We’re communal beings—our support systems are meant to help us through difficult times. When there’s tension there, managing stress and getting the rest you need can be even more difficult.
How stress can affect our health
If you’re dealing with any of the stressors we’ve discussed so far, you may be struggling to get the relaxation you need to cope, and over time, it can take a toll on your overall well-being.
When you feel anxious or on edge your body releases adrenaline and cortisol—stress hormones that prepare us to react to danger in what’s called our ‘fight or flight’ response.
If you’re in immediate danger, this is a good thing! But extended periods of ‘fight or flight’ can lead to chronic stress, impacting your physical and mental health.
Here are a few of the physical signs you may be dealing with chronic stress:
- Autoimmune disorders
- Heart disease
- Diabetes
- Irritable bowel syndrome
- High blood pressure
- Headaches
- Body aches and pains
- Muscle tension
There’s not a single part of the body that stress doesn’t affect. When you’re feeling stressed or overwhelmed, slowing down might not feel like an option. But it’s important to find healthy ways to relax and cope with stress to prevent more serious issues.
The benefits of relaxation
While it might seem easier said than done, relaxation is crucial for stress management and keeping stress-related physical and mental health issues at bay. Just as there’s no part of your body that stress won’t affect, rest can benefit your overall well-being—body, mind, and soul.
Here are a few of the ways relaxation techniques can help you cope with stress:
- Lower blood pressure
- Improved digestion
- Reduces anxiety
- Easing of muscle tension
- Improved sleep quality
- Better focus
- Better chronic pain management
Relaxation techniques to try
When it comes to stress management, relaxation is key. But if relaxation techniques haven’t been a regular part of your life so far, you may be unsure what they are, or what they might look like for you.
That’s okay! Relaxation looks different for everyone. Some may feel most relaxed when they take a walk out in the fresh air, while others relax by spending quality time with their loved ones.
What’s most important is that you find your own way to relax so you’re better able to manage the stress and anxiety of everyday life.
Here are some easy relaxation techniques you can try to incorporate a bit of calm into your day:
Progressive muscle relaxation
This technique involves tightening and relaxing your muscles one after another. Sometimes, you may not even realize how tight certain muscles are until you take the time to consciously relax them. Taking just 10 minutes out of your day to practice progressive muscle relaxation can help ease any tension you’re carrying in your body and mind.
Deep breathing exercises
Your breath is a powerful tool to ease anxiety. Breathe in for a count of 4 seconds, hold it for 4, and then exhale for 4. To feel the full effects, focus on the air filling your diaphragm, not your chest. The best part is that this exercise can be done anytime, anywhere, and it can start to calm you down in just a few minutes.
Massage therapy
Massage therapy has been used for thousands of years to relax the mind and body, and provide muscle pain relief and it’s one of the most effective relaxation techniques available to this day. Massage has been proven to lower our cortisol levels and release serotonin (aka the ‘happy hormone’)—a mood booster that reduces feelings of depression.
While self-massage definitely has its benefits, you’ll get more out of a session with a licensed massage therapist who can pinpoint painful areas you may be struggling with.
It’s time for some much-needed rest and relaxation
Rest and relaxation aren’t just ‘nice to have’—they’re an essential part of your overall health and well-being. When you make these a priority, you’re better equipped to find your inner calm, cope with life’s challenges, and keep chronic stress at bay.
If you’ve carried stress and tension long enough to find yourself in physical discomfort, I can help. At my studio, your well-being comes first, and together, we’ll put you on the right path to healing.
I offer customizable massage therapy options that can address any physical, emotional, or spiritual issues you may be facing—whatever it is, we’ll make a plan that works for you.
Book a massage today and let’s find your balance together.
