How many of us are feeling stressed right now? Like you can’t relax or unwind, you’ve got too much on? Do you catch yourself saying “I don’t have time to relax”? If you are saying this, then making a conscious decision to give yourself time for relaxation and rest is what’s needed. There will never be a right time, we have to decide to work on it right now or it will never happen. Learning to relax is like any skill, we have to make a decision it’s worth doing and then practice doing it.

Why is relaxation important?

Calming ourselves and focusing on something enjoyable or peaceful helps both our brain and body. When our body is relaxed it’s relieved of pain and tension and keeps our heart and immune system healthy. When we are more relaxed our mind is clearer, our memory is better, we feel less anxious and stressed, our mood improves and we and those around us benefit. So how do you relax?

Prioritise yourself

Why is it that we can prioritise everyone else but not ourselves? We need to learn to say, “I am worthwhile” and value ourselves. We deserve care and rest just like anyone else. You know the metaphor, “put your oxygen mask on first before helping others”? Well, we’re not good to others if we are not ok ourselves. For those who have children, think about role-modelling self-care behaviours such as showing ourselves relaxing and stating that we are doing something for downtime.

It helps to set times during the day for relaxation; like making the time to go for a walk, have a cup of tea, stop for a minute, play some music whilst doing tasks you don’t like, reading a book. Making frequent, short periods during the day our relaxation and self-care times ensures it happens. Try not to multitask a few times throughout the day and just do one thing at a time; sit down and eat lunch undisturbed, take your tea breaks at work, finish work on time and allow others to help. Sometimes we need to stop and reset.

Work out what relaxes you

Write a list of all the things that help you relax – from something that takes a few seconds to things that take a few hours or a whole day. Stepping outside to breathe in some fresh air can also re-set the brain particularly when it’s stuffy inside. Does watching your favourite show relax you or sitting in the sun during lunch, chatting with friends? Fresh air, sleep, food, and exercise are key. Work out what your thing is and do it. You are important.

If you’re really struggling, talking to someone like a psychologist about your worries and troubles, can be helpful.