The benefits of relaxing are nothing to be scoffed at. Lowering blood pressure, anxiety, and stress can lower cortisol levels. Cortisol is a stress hormone that, when raised for long periods of time, can lead to an increased likelihood of obesity, mental illness, and Cushing's Syndrome! Luckily, August reminds us to take a step back and relax, and we want to know what your preferred relaxation method is!
Travel
Traveling is a great way to "recharge" your batteries and reset. As an added bonus, checking off a box for places you want to visit is a great way for the goal-oriented to let go during their travel time, and enjoy themselves!
Work Out
Get that body moving! Releasing endorphins and shaking off the stress of the day is a tremendous way to relax, and gives you a great way to "let it all go". Finding your favorite way to move, or sharing your favorite workout with your best friends is another great way to stay energized and refreshed!
Cook a Healthy Meal
Get that cookbook out and go to town! Cooking is a great stress reliever because it allows you to tap into full body focus. You can engage all of your senses while you cook and stir the stress away. If you're feeling really stressed out, pick a recipe that makes you feel good, and take your time making it.
Yoga and Meditation
The benefits of yoga and meditation are well documented, but we want to suggest that spending time with yourself is a great way to unwind and decompress from the day. Take 5 to 10 minutes to meditate and 10 to 15 to do a short amount of yoga just to get back into your body at the end of a stressful day. You'll be glad you did.
Get a Good Night's Sleep
Not only will you feel less tired throughout the day, but a proper night's rest will help you decompress from the day before! So go ahead, set your alarms and put the phone across the room so you won't be tempted to look at it, then hit the lights and settle in for a sweet, rejuvenating, slumber.
Go Outside
Just 15 minutes outside can help improve anxiety by exposing you to a little bit of vitamin D! Sitting in the sunlight, reading a book, listening to the wind ruffle the leaves. Make sure you pay attention to the weather report though. If it's too hot to get outside, try sitting next to a window with a fan oscillating on low to simulate a cool breeze!
Take Care of Your Body
Your body houses stress, and it can leave you in a ton of pain! Not letting yourself relax can lead to migraines, physical illness, and an increase in colds every year. Keep yourself healthy by getting regular physicals and check-ups, going to your regular chiropractic appointments, and occasionally, spoiling yourself with a massage or other physical treat!
Tell us how you relax! Continue the conversation and follow us on twitter @Fairfaxchiro or on Facebook at Facebook.com/fairfaxchiro
If you're having trouble learning how to relax, we can help. Call 703.291.6677 and we can get you on the fast track to a regular relaxation visit that can take care of your body today.