How You Can Learn to Finally, Really Relax

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It seems like relaxing is something everyone should be able to do, but those of us who are constantly stressed, are workaholics, or have certain health issues don't have an easy "off" switch. Relaxation is something we actually have to learn and practice, much like happiness. And, like happiness, learning to relax is extremely important for your health and well-being. Let's take a look at the ways we can beat chronic tension and finally slow down.

Relaxation strategies for daily stress:  

• Take some time to think about stressors you deal with on a daily basis and ways you can start acting on them, if possible. For example, it's possible you're experiencing secondhand stress from people around you; you might have to distance yourself from them to take care of yourself.
• Keep a journal to think things out, boost your self-esteem, and also help you deal with stress in your life, even if you can't directly act on them.
• It might sound silly, but schedule time to worry about things that are bothering you. Doing that kind of compartmentalizing could reduce overall stress and anxiety.
• Make sure you're taking care of the "three pillars of health"—nutrition, exercise, and sleep. If one of these are lacking in your life, then your body will be out of whack and you'll be less able to cope with stress.
• On a related note, fix your posture. Tense muscles and stress go hand in hand. When you sit or stand properly, it relieves tightness in a muscle, helping you physically relax, which in turn calms your mind.1
• If you're a workaholic, stop trying to be perfect or so productive to the point where you never have any downtime. That's easier said than done when you've a very driven person, and it'll take some work to change your perspective, know your boundaries, and accept what you can and can't control.

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