With our busy days, pressure at work, and routine responsibilities, taking a few moments to relax, breathe deeply and forget about problems can be completely transformative and very relaxing.
However, we know that this is not always easy. Not every day we can have a coffee with friends or travel, right?
The good news is that there are some simple and extremely restorative habits that you can cultivate at home to unwind after a stressful day. We have put together some suggestions for you.
Check it.
1. LISTEN TO MUSIC TO RELAX
Music has the potential to stimulate or slow down our neurotransmitters, which is why it is such an expressive ally of our emotions.
So coming home from work and putting on your favorite playlist may be all you need to forget about the hustle and bustle of the day and start relaxing. And science agrees.
Several recent studies have observed, for example, that when associated with a positive emotional connection, music can help evoke well-being, since the brain activates affective memory and automatically associates the melody with pleasant sensations.
So, whether you want to cheer yourself up or calm down after a stressful Monday, don’t think twice: turn up the sound!
2. COOKING TO RELAX
Cooking can be an extremely therapeutic activity, especially if you are cooking for yourself.
Homework, after all, not only helps redirect your attention, but it also occupies you with something extremely important to you and your well-being.
Cooking doesn’t just mean putting ingredients in the pan. The whole process helps you to refocus on yourself: choosing the foods that give you the most pleasure, thinking of tasty combinations, preparing according to your preferences, enjoying the aromas of spices is very relaxing…
It’s a complete sensory experience that will make you feel more present, while taking you away from potentially stressful thoughts.
3. MUSCLE STRETCHING
When you are stressed, your muscles involuntarily contract, causing discomfort and tension, especially in the neck, back and leg area.
And since physical well-being is directly related to mental well-being, and vice versa, taking care of your body is also a great way to disconnect from stress and relax.
To relax the muscles most affected by tension, make slow circular movements with your wrists, ankles, and neck. For your back, a basic stretch is worth trying: sit in a chair, keeping your feet flat on the floor, and turn your upper body to one side. Hold for 20 seconds, return to the starting position, then twist to the other side. If you want, you can rest your hands on the chair for a deeper stretch.
With these techniques, you will relieve tension in your muscles and, as a result, you will feel lighter.
4. HOT BATH TO RELAX MUSCLES
Another extremely relaxing activity for the muscles -and, of course, for the mind- is to take a nice hot bath.
According to some neurological studies, a hot bath activates the parasympathetic nervous system, which causes a feeling of serenity. This is because this system is responsible for the actions that make the body respond to calm situations.
The slowing of the heartbeat and the decrease in blood pressure, adrenaline and blood sugar, for example, are some of the actions stimulated by the parasympathetic nervous system. Play sleep music YT videos to relax completely.
Since, on the contrary, stress tends to speed us up, enjoying a hot shower is a good strategy to reverse its effects. It also improves blood circulation, helping to relax muscles and relieve headaches.
No wonder we feel refreshed after a few moments underwater, right? Thus, with a hot bath always at your disposal, a moment of well-being is guaranteed as soon as you arrive home.
RELIEVES HEADACHES
The hot bath helps dilate blood vessels, improving blood distribution and relieving head aches.
Above all, afflicted water has several benefits. Allowing the water to fall directly on the head and run over the rest of the body, costume will have a very relaxing effect.
In the case of head aches, these are associated with sinusitis, for example, or heat or steam from heated water can help clean the nose.
OPENS THE PORES AND EXFOLIATES SKIN
The heated water opens the pores facilitating the release of infectious substances that may be on the skin.
The steam of the water generates natural exfoliation of the skin, insofar as it helps to eliminate dead cells and remove toxins, such as threads and product remains.
The bath with hot water facilitates depilation with the foil, because it opens the pores, or if you are thinking about doing that hygiene that cleanses the soul, hot water will be your great friend!
