The daily grind of life can be a bit much. Whether it’s a 9 to 5 job, shift work, or a full-time mom, everyone needs a way of relaxing. Currently, 33% of Americans report feeling extreme stress. That’s just extreme stress. It’s fair to say that everyone will experience some form of ongoing stress in their life.
Being an adult demand so much time, money, and chasing good health, all at the expense of the state of mind. The mind demands time to unwind to process information and recover and rest. Since relaxing is essential for processing and recovery, here are four new ideas to try if you feel like you just can’t switch off.
Cannabis Use
Cannabis is not what it used to be. Cannabis was once classified as a hippy drug designed for the reprobates of society. Now? Cannabis is respected, trusted, and used by millions in the U.S. Although cannabis is commonly used for recreational purposes, it’s widely respected as a medicinal aid, treating a wide range of health conditions.
Contrary to popular belief, cannabis is a great way of inducing relaxation. If you’re looking for weed seeds to help reduce stress and induce relaxation, you need to understand the strains. Studies have found that, for therapeutic use as stress relief, cannabis that’s limonene-dominant is the best strain. That means any strain will be effective in reducing stress so long as it is limonene-dominant.
The way you consume cannabis will also influence the outcome. It’s crucial to be in a relaxed environment with snacks and films at the ready. If you haven’t consumed it before, it’s advisable to be with someone who has and who can guide you through the experience. Cannabis produces euphoria. Done right, it creates a warm, relaxing feeling like nothing else can. Here are some of the added benefits of cannabis use:
- Pain management
- Reduce inflammation
- Improved mental health
- Improved sleep
Breathing Techniques
Something as simple as breathing techniques may be all you need to relax. One of the first things to alter when faced with a stressful situation is your breathing rate. Respiration and heart rate increase to create that frantic feeling. Controlled breathing seeks to undo all that by activating the parasympathetic nervous system and inducing relaxation.
Yoga and meditation are two of the most relaxation-inducing activities that you can do. Both focus on controlled breathing. Breathing exercises are now respected as a way of relaxing, but there are multiple exercises to chose from. Here are some of the most popular.
Alternate Nostril Breathing
Alternate nostril breathing is simple and easy to do. It’s exactly what you’d think it would be, using alternate nostrils to breathe. To achieve the best result, sit in a comfortable position and ensure your spine is long and your chest is open.
Close your eyes and one side of your nose using your index finger. Inhale for four seconds. Completely close your nose and hold your breath for three seconds. Let go of the opposite nostril. Repeat this for a total of 10 cycles or more and you should feel relaxed.
4-7-8 Technique
Developed by Dr. Andrew Weil, the 4-7-8 breathing method is highly effective. It’s derived from an ancient yoga breathing technique called pranayama. Not only is this technique great for relaxation, but it’s also great for bringing a natural balance and harmony to the body.
Dr. Weil himself even hailed the technique to be a natural tranquilizer for the nervous system. When practiced regularly and in the right way, the 4-7-8 method will work.
Start by letting your lip’s part and making a whooshing sound, exhaling through your mouth. Close your lips and inhale silently through your nose, counting to four. Hold your breath for seven seconds and then exhale, making a whooshing sound for eight seconds. Repeat the cycles as many times as needed. The method activates the parasympathetic nervous system, which induces relaxation, and distracts the mind.
Lions Breath
Out of all the breathing techniques, lion breathing is the most fun. It’s a deep breathing exercise that’s commonly used in yoga. Lion’s breath does more than just relax your mind. It relaxes your face, your jaw and improves your cardiovascular function.
The exercise is best performed in either a yoga position or another comfortable position. Start by spreading your fingers as wide as possible and inhale through your nose. Open your mouth as wide as you can and stick out your tongue towards your chin. Exhale forcefully as much as possible, making a “ha” sound as you do. Breathe normally for a minute and repeat.
A Creative Outlet
A creative outlet is excellent because it is a way of distracting your mind. It helps to channel your mind into something positive. Often, people who find it hard to relax feel like they have a thousand things going on in their minds. Creative outlets are used in mental health therapeutic services because they work.
Even if you’re not a creative person, there are plenty of ways to get creative. You don’t have to produce a masterpiece. Simply channel your energy into something positive and distract your mind. Here are some of the best creative outlets to try:
- Painting
- Writing
- Cooking
- Photography
- Crocheting
Give one of them a try, and see how it helps you. It might become a hobby.
Lifestyle Changes
Lifestyle changes take a while to implement, but there are a few things in your lifestyle that may be affecting your ability to relax. Number one on the list is caffeine. Caffeine induces anxiety and stress and is a stimulant. Reducing the amount of caffeine consumed will dramatically increase your ability to relax.
Alcohol is another stimulant to avoid. Typically, alcohol is only consumed during the evening, which is a recipe for relaxation disaster. Although a glass or two might make you feel relaxed, to begin with, the aftermath can be anxiety and depression. Try switching stimulants for a relaxing yoga flow, meditation sessions, or reading a book. All three suggestions are perfect for unwinding.
Stress is a natural feeling. Every adult will feel stressed at some point in their life. Take action, and find ways to relax that work for you.