Fun Friday – National Relaxation Day – 3 Ways to Chill Out

 

Attend a comedy show - Bored Teachers Comedy Tour at Mark Ridley's Comedy Castle

National Relaxation Day is near, it’s celebrated each year on August 15^th. Do you know how to relax? It’s not hard, but it may take practice, especially if you’re used to filling your schedule with things to do. You are now granted permission to chill out:

Here are 3 ways to relax and chill out:

1.      Get in a daily dose of laughter – There is scientific research that shows laughter is a good stress relief. Laughter helps your muscles relax, and increases circulation, among other benefits.

Chill out tip: Hold a car concert (or kitchen, living room, bathroom) – to be clear, a car concert is when you crank up the volume on your radio and dance like no one is watching…but rest assured someone may see you. The key here is to bob your head, move your shoulders, while listening to upbeat music. Jerky movements, singing off-key, anything that makes you laugh while doing this is acceptable. Have fun because you can.

2.      Create a Chill Out Day once a week – schedule a date with yourself. Block off time in your schedule to unwind and something that brings your joy or do nothing at all.  It doesn’t even have to be a full day of chilin’ out, it can be small blocks of time that you designate for your self-care.

 Chill out tip: Practice meditation and yoga. Put aside the busyness of your day and allow yourself to sit still, in a quiet place, and breathe.

3.      Eat foods that reduce stress – according to the Total Wellness blog, fueling your body with foods “filled with vitamins and nutrients can elevate mood and energy.” Some stress-busting foods include:

·         Bananas

·         Spinach

·         Green Tea

·         Dark Chocolate

·         Oatmeal

·         Turkey breast

Chill out tip: create a fun snack bar for you and your family and watch a funny movie.

All tips were adapted from the Total Wellness Health blog.

Although National Relaxation Day is once a year, this is just the start of building a healthy relationship with relaxing. If you’re already an expert at relaxing or using relaxation techniques, share your knowledge with someone else.

What suggestions do you have for ways to chill out?