It is easy to be caught up in the distractions of every day life. Especially in the times we live in, with mass media, and constant external stimuli trying to get our attention. Because of this, we can become emotionally spread thin, and physically worn out. Taking time to practice self-care is very important if we are going to master our mental health. The aspect of self-care I want to discuss today is I believe the most significant aspect of maintaining our well-being; and that is relaxation.
Relaxation is something we must practice at to become effective. The type of relaxation I’m talking about is more than the response to being physically or mentally drained and crashing. What I am referring to is a practice that can be tapped into in order to refresh. This form of relaxation is not a reaction to being tired, but a deliberate act of becoming still and slowing down, in order to rejuvenate.
For relaxation as a practice to become effective it must be treated as a ritual. Not in the religious sense, though if one is religious this is a great time to pray, buy I mean ritualistic in the sense of being able to use this time as a standard. When relaxation becomes a standard the act of sinking into calmness can be remembered and therefore repeated more easily.
I like to practice relaxing sitting in a lounge chair, under a blanket, listening to some soothing music, with the lights low and some candles or a Himalayan salt lamp lit to set the ambiance. I find the afternoon hours between 4-7pm the best time to vibe out. In the beginning it is helpful to use the will to consciously slow down. Sinking into the chair, relaxing the eyes closed halfway while looking at the mind’s eye and breathing slow are all helpful to slow down and get into a state of deep relaxation. Also allowing time to come out of relaxation slowly is more pleasurable than jolting out of calmness. The more one is able to consciously transition back to normal consciousness the more one can implement the remembrance of relaxation in to daily life.
By dipping daily into this pool of rejuvenating relaxation you may find you have more stamina, and are able to better cope with normal everyday stress. If you master this relaxation technique you may be able can carry the feeling of being unburdened with you at most times. That is what is meant by mastery in terms of taking a practice and using it to permeate all areas of your existence in a complete way. As you get more proficient at remembering the essence of relaxation and carrying it over throughout your day you will find that you get thrown off course less and less as time goes by.
In Conclusion, Every day we face challenges and distractions that can stress us out. By dipping daily into the cool calm pool of relaxation we support our physical and mental well-being. It may take some time to learn how to fully relax, but if you follow the simple steps outlined in this blog, you will be able to learn this valuable tool of self-care. By mastering the art of relaxation you will be able to carry yourself calmly throughout your day.
Thank you for taking the time to read this blog. If you find this information helpful please subscribe and follow along towards better mental health and a greater quality of life. Thank you, John
Mentally Sound 