Stress has become part of our daily lives thanks to the never-ending demands of work, family and other responsibilities that can often leave us feeling overwhelmed and exhausted. However, it’s essential to find effective methods to help not just relax for a few minutes but truly reconnect with ourselves after a demanding day. Let’s explore three simple yet powerful ways to help release, relax and let go of the day.
Movement to let go: Engage in some form of physical movement to release the built-up tension in the body and relax the mind. Exercise is not just a physical endeavor; it’s an emotional and spiritual one. It ignites the release of endorphins, nature’s very own mood-lifter. Explore your options, do what works for you. Perhaps it’s a leisurely stroll, a harmonious yoga session or putting on your favorite music and dance in your living room. Making this part of your day can help shed the weight of the day’s strains and realign your body, mind, and heart.
Let the pen flow: Grab your journal, notebook, or tablet. Take 5 – 10 minutes to pour out the workday, free your racing thoughts, feelings, and challenges. This simple act of journaling is a gentle release for your mind, heart, and body. Don’t be concerned with structure or eloquence, just allow your thoughts and feelings to flow. Write about your concerns, struggles, accomplishments, revelations, whatever needs to come out. This simple act will help soothe your well-being and mark the end of the day while paving the way for inner peace, so you can do what makes your heart smile.
Relax with tea: Unwind with a heartfelt tea ceremony designed exclusively for you. Select a tea that resonates with you, whether it’s the timeless tranquility of chamomile or your favorite herbal blend. As you prepare your tea, be present, take in the moment, boiling the water, steeping the leaves, and savoring the aromatic dance of fragrances. This mindfulness practice is your bridge from the chaos of the day to the stillness of the present moment, allowing you to fully relax and recharge.
Incorporating at least one if not all three practices into your daily routine can improve your ability to de-stress, unwind and release the day. Movement, journaling and a tea ceremony are more than rituals, they are acts of self-care. And in today’s hectic world, making time for self-care is essential for health and well-being. Discover what speaks to your heart and make these practices a cherished part of your routine. A genuine gift to yourself, ensuring a happier, healthier more harmonious you.
Lisa D. Heart is a third-generation Colorado native and a former management executive who is now a heart-focused life coach and the founder of the “starts in the heart” movement. She teaches working women how to make self-care a priority to prevent stress-related diseases.