Self-Care Tips: How to Relax & Take a Break From Your Busy Life

It’s National Relaxation Day and I’m finding myself a little stressed about getting inspired and stoked to celebrate accordingly. Not an intended symptom of the day I am sure, but we all have a lot going on (hello, the world can’t run itself). The very notion of making time to relax can have a cortisol raising effect. I can’t let that happen to you all so I am sharing 7 of my favorite low-cost, small-time commitment ways to practice self-care and—ahhh—relax.

Make Your Home/Office a Calming Place

Okay, maybe just part of your home unless you have Chip and Joanna level skills, in which case, call me. Your home is your safe haven from the stress of the outside world. You need to make sure that it is a relaxing space when you need to destress. Even the smallest change like adding a new plant can have a positive impact! You also shouldn’t be afraid to experiment with some bigger design concepts like painting bedroom walls cooler tones to evoke more feelings of calm.

Accessorize With Gemstones

I’ve been embracing the resurgence of gemstone bracelets lately. Gemstones were always a thing that I wore when they were ‘in’ and abanded shortly thereafter because I simply didn’t realize how powerful they can be. Now that they are back I am learning so much about the effect they can have on the wearer. They can aid with anything from feeling calm to increasing self-empowerment. I’ve shared some favorites on my personal blog if you’re interested in reading more.

Foam Roll

Whether you worked out today or not, foam rolling is one of the most underutilized therapies out there. It’s so convenient that you can do it yourself. Roll it out to relax after a hard workout or set it up in front of the TV on rest days and notice the stress melt away as you release the tension on the foam roller. My favorite foam rolling posture for stress relief? Diaphragm release. Opening up the diaphragm has a cooling effect on the mind and body because it helps us breathe deeper. Put the foam roller under your upper back, clasp your hands behind your head and relax into the gentle stretch and chest opening. Use slow, deep breaths to release any feelings of anxiety or stress.

Harness Full-Moon Energy

Interestingly enough, National Relaxation Day falls on a full moon this year. If this isn’t the perfect time to harness the moon’s energy, I don’t know what is.  In an effort to utilize the moon’s energy better myself, I googled ‘best ways to celebrate the full moon’ and found all sorts of things I never even thought about. No shocker there. Apparently, Taoist women have long been using a full moon meditation to help them cultivate and retain their youthfulness, sensuality and feminine power. Step outside, face the moon when it is just rising, and gently breathe in the lunar energy, swallowing it. Repeat thirty times. I mean, you can’t possibly be grumpy at the end of that breathing exercise!

Meditate

I’ve talked about this one a lot, Namely, how it’s often easier said than done, but hear me out. Mediation does not mean you have to sit on a hard floor for 30 minutes being a perfect meditator. If you can slow down a little bit and zen out for even 3-11 minutes, it can make a huge difference for your day. No screens, no distractions. Just you and some peaceful, empowering thoughts will make you feel blissed out and more in harmony with yourself and your surroundings than you were before you started.

Mantra Up

You probably know what a mantra is and may even use one! Do you have a personal mantra though? If not, it’s time to make one. A personal mantra is an affirmation to motivate and inspire you to be your best self. Don’t worry, there’s no need to chant it out loud, but you do need to think it internally a few times a day for it to really get into your consciousness and begin to work. How do you pick one? I cycle through mantras depending on whatever season I am in. Right now I am super focused on growing my business. I say “you are worthy of success” like a broken record. Also, all my passwords have to do with growth. I feel super empowered whenever I type them and since most of my work is on the computer it really sets the tone for my work.

Say ‘Yes’ to Restorative Yoga

It’s not going to torch 800 calories like your favorite spin class or give you amazing glutes like deadlifts, but restorative work is no less vital to a good, holistic fitness and wellness regimen. I especially love these classes when I am feeling too lazy to do anything active, but know it in my heart I need to move my body. Poses that are mostly seated or on the floor will recharge, relax and invigorate you in all the right ways. It’s also a great time to just bliss out since you have someone guiding you back into the moment when your mind starts to wander.