My Top Reasons to Relax More Often; For Health, For Work, Forever
Posted on April 17th, 2008 by Stacey
Tension is who you think you should be. Relaxation is who you are. ~Chinese Proverb
I’m fresh off of vacation, and relaxing is top of mind. Relaxing doesn’t mean 5 days on a beach or somewhere special - it’s not about luxury, it’s about necessity. Relaxing, if even for 5 minutes a day is critical to health and well-being, effectiveness on the job and family life. Without relaxation there is stress and tension, and that means more trips to the doctor and greater risk of illness. Based on my own experiences and conversations I’ve had with friends, families and colleagues, I’ve compiled this list that I consider the top reasons to relax more.
- Reduced blood pressure
- Reduced muscle tension (back/shoulder pain anyone?)
- Less headaches
- Decreased doctor visits
- Decreased need for medications
- More time for what’s really important to you
- More money to spend on what’s really important to you
- Helps lose or maintain weight
- Increased on the job productivity
- Decreased number of mistakes or accidents (on the job, in the car, etc)
- Increased happiness levels
- Decreased feelings of anxiety
- Increased ability to let go of emotions, people, things
- Increased clarity and vision toward goals (work or personal)
- Greater goal accomplishment/success
- Increased sense of humor
- More enjoyment of life in general
- Improved confidence and self-image
- Improved sex life
- Increased ability to take action/make decisions
- Less need for control and perfection
- Improved overall health
- Increased energy levels
- Preventative medicine
- Replenish your soul in order to give in all other areas of your life
- More smiles on your face and laughter in your life
- Greater appreciation of your environment (people, places, nature)
- Less arguments, more respectful communication
- Less worry about the future or the past (live more in each moment)
Let’s add to the list - list your reasons in the comments field. Why do you choose to relax?
I really enjoyed reading through the benefits of relaxation. I have seen personally and professionally how stress can have such an impact on the physical body as well as the mind. Back pain, neck pain, and many other injuries can originate due to stress…and though physical therapy, massage, chiropractic and acupuncture (among many other forms of treatment) may help and even rid symptoms, stress management is essential for managing health and staying well.
Alicia
http://blog.wellnessprofessionals.com
I agree, and it really starts with each one of us as individuals listening to our bodies and taking control over our own health and well-being. Thank you for your thoughts!
Love that - tension is who you think you should be - how true is that, thanks so much for the reminder.
Thank you for a great Blog. Made me think about my life and how I use my time. I am the type of person that starts at 4:30 am and does not stop thinking until 10:30 pm. When I say thinking I am talking about my mind racing from thought to thought all day. At times I have to stop myself and calm down. I am just that type of person, I can’t relax… even when I am sitting on the deck my mind is going 100 mph.
So I was thinking about meditation, I would love to just have 30 minutes to myself and recharge. Can this be taught to anyone, and if so where are some good resources?
Thanks Steve
@jolynn - I know, I loved that quote when I read it!
@Steve - Yes, meditation can be taught to anyone. It’s challenging, as you sit quietly your mind will still race, you’re not doing it wrong! It requires practice and patience. I have some recorded podcasts (1 right now, more on the way) at my website http://www.letitflowfitness.com under free resources.
Also, you might research yoga studios in your area, these days many of them are offering meditation classes/workshops.
Also, if you have 30 minutes for yourself to recharge, as a beginner I wouldn’t recommend meditating for 30 minutes, start with 1 or 5. Use the 30 minutes to do something that allows you to completely focus on that activity. For me that’s a jog or cooking.
You might start with iTunes, as there are tons of free meditation podcasts available, all lengths, and that would be a no-cost, low-time commitment way to get going.
There are also meditation centers in many metropolitan areas. I know where I live, Boston area, there are several choices, all offer beginner seminars.
Feel free to ask more questions.
Thanks, I am doing just that. For years I have been going to softball games, taking kids here and there and now I need time for me. So I asked for 1 hour of quiet time for myself. I use the time for exercise. and I have been feeling much better since I have started. Elliptical, Bike and Weights… I actually come out of that hour feeling very good but I know meditation would fill this void I feel. Thanks for the tips. I am also from the Boston area, just south of Boston. Do you think meditation can help with weight loss? I have a lot of weight to lose and that is another reason I wanted to learn?
Thanks
Steve
@Steve - stay tuned for a post later this week on meditation/yoga and weight loss. I’ve been asked that before, it will make a good post. Thursday/Friday time frame!
Thank you, I will be sure to read it. I downloaded the podcast tonight and listened to Meditation 101and Progressive Relaxation. I am not 100% sure but I listened to the Meditation 101 while I was on the Elliptical just to understand how and what to do then I went to the weight station and started my breathing… Then listened to Progressive Relaxation and I couldn’t believe I was doing it… or I believe I was doing it correctly because my arms felt very heavy, actually like they were swollen with fluid, but didn’t hurt… I just didn’t want to move them… then I noticed my head was tilted forward and my mouth was open slightly… but I had no real thoughts except I felt alone and good. Hard to explain… a peaceful feeling. Does that sound right?
Thanks it was great and I will do it again soon.
Steve
From what I’ve seen when I use that exercise live, it sounds like it worked!