Relaxation is known to be important. It can directly reduce stress and can offer relief to people suffering from conditions such as depression, anxiety and schizophrenia.
In addition to the impressive health benefits, relaxation feels great and is something we should all make more time for. So next time you have some down time, don’t reach for the laptop, don’t go searching for even more free spins offers that you don’t really need and don’t even think about feeling bored!
To help you on your quest for relaxation, we’ve cobbled together 5 great tips that’ll have you breathing deeply and letting go of your stresses, often in as little as five minutes.
Forget Coffee, reach for Green Tea
If your cupboard doesn’t contain green tea, this is the first issue you need to address. Pick up some green tea and make your next tea break a little different.
Green tea has well documented benefits. It contains L-Theanine, a chemical that’s known to reduce your body’s stress responses.
Green Tea is in fact so useful when it comes to de-stressing, that merely staring at a cup could help you thanks to the green colour which we’re reliably told is soothing to look at thanks to its earthy qualities.
Chew Some Gum
As long as you’re not in Singapore where this one will land you in trouble, this is a great tip. Chewing gum is an effective way to keep stress at bay and may even help you to be more productive.
Hand Massage
OK, this isn’t a full on masseuse experience, if you have access to that then even better, but fortunately, for everyone else, merely massaging your hands can help to relieve anxiety.
There’s no set way of doing this, but it could help if you start by applying your favourite cream to your palms. Massaging each joint and clenching and releasing your fists and wrists should all be part of the process.
This tip will be especially useful for those who have been stuck in their office, tapping away on a keyboard.
Take your Anger out on a Stress Ball
Stress balls are a great way of getting a little release. The simple action of squeezing a ball with all of your might can really be an effective way of letting all that pent up anger escape your system.
And in case you’re wondering, it’s OK to be angry!
Go for a walk
It’s so simple yet so effective. The simple act of going outside and putting one foot in front of the other can help release your stress. It works because exercise (even walking) releases a small amount of endorphins into your system which make you feel happier. Further to this you’ll benefit from visual stimulation which will distract from any negative thoughts on your mind.
We hope the above ideas will have been useful for you. It’s important to remember that even if you don’t have time for a trip to the seaside or better still an overseas vacation, it is possible to unwind just a little within five minutes no matter where you are.
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