5 Ways to Have a Happy Relaxation Day!
Wednesday, August 15, is a very important day for us–it’s National Relaxation Day! Now, at this point, you may be rolling your eyes. Wasn’t it National Chocolate Chip Pancake Day just yesterday and of course, who can forget National Three Legged Dog Day? However, Relaxation Day actually brings up a good point. In our workaholic society, we’re bad about slowing down, turning off and just enjoying the little things in life.
Here are a few tips on how to enjoy National Relaxation Day, even though it falls on a dreaded workday.
Unplug and Uninstall
Try taking a mini vacation from social media by deactivating your account for the day and deleting social media apps from your phone. You might notice your shoulders relaxing and your brain calming. Social media can affect your self-esteem by inducing something called “Facebook Envy.” Suddenly your absolutely fine day doesn’t compare with your friend’s trip to Bali or your old co-worker’s new puppy. Just spending a day not scrolling the sites can reset your brain in a way you didn’t think was possible. And by deleting apps from your phone, you’ll spend less time mindlessly scrolling throughout the day.
Listen to Classical Music
Turn on a classical music station and let the music relax you. Classical music has been shown to slow your heart rate, lower blood pressure, and decrease levels of stress hormones.[1] Plus when you get into a work groove, you start to feel smarter. And finally, when your boss visits you at your desk, you don’t need to pause your music out of embarrassment. Just take down those headphones and let the Chopin impress.
Grab Some Green
Spending time in nature is a wonderful way to reduce stress and increase oxygen flow. However, unless you are a member of the Von Trapp Family, we can’t always be frolicking in the fields. Get a desktop plant for your office or home to foster a little nature in your workspace. Don’t have a green thumb? Try a succulent garden. Those hardy plants barely need any water and are almost impossible to kill. And speaking of water…
Drink Some Water
Staying hydrated can help keep stress levels down. All of our organs need water to survive and thrive, including the brain, and dehydration can lead to exhaustion and stress. Not a big fan of H2O? Try adding some fruit slices to your water for some extra flavor and a pop of color.
Book a Spa Visit
This one’s easy: Book a spa treatment at Spafinder.com and allow your entire body, mind and soul to relax completely. It’s the perfect way to celebrate National Relaxation Day and re-discover the joys of letting go.
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[1] Mental Floss, “15 Scientific Ways to Relax for National Relaxation Day “