Are you left feeling completely wiped out at the end of most days? Are you constantly struggling to relax and wind down, even in your own home? With
44% of U.S. adults claiming they feel more stressed than they did even 5 years ago, it’s no wonder that 3 out of 4 doctor visits are due to stress-related ailments.
Of course, while you may be able to strategically remove some sources of stress from your life, it’s unrealistic to think we can remove them all. We will always encounter new sources of stress – and one of the best things we can do is find helpful ways to address the feeling of stress itself. With a few simple and methodical techniques, that are easy to implement at home, you can begin to alleviate the tense, overwhelming emotional effects of your stress; and help your brain (and body) to respond to future stresses in a healthier way.
If you’re in need of a break from the occasional chaos of life, look no further than the list below, for mindful remedies to relieve stress, and increase relaxation at home:
1. Start a Meditation Practice
Meditation is a peaceful tradition that trains the mind, while promoting relaxation. Its origins date back to 1500 BCE in ancient India, though its practice spans many religious and cultural contexts throughout history. Today, studies have found that approximately
18 million adults meditate, with the numbers steadily increasing as the
mindfulness movement continues to grow.
The benefits of meditation are seemingly timeless; devotees claim greater concentration, clearer perception, improved memory, and even lower blood pressure. For
beginners looking to incorporate meditation into their daily routine, start slowly. Set aside 2 minutes to concentrate on breathing early in the morning. Don’t get caught up in worrying whether you’re doing it wrong, or if your mind has begun to wander – worrying is counteractive to the stress relief benefits of meditation. Instead, focus on being in the moment, and counting your breaths. From there, continue to add a few minutes to your meditation, ultimately increasing your practice to access the full benefits.
2. Take a Relaxing Bubble Bath
One of the benefits of meditation is that it can be done nearly anywhere – as long as it’s in a quiet, calming space. Bath meditations have become a popular way of
unwinding after a busy day, provided you have a bathtub available! For added stress relief, incorporate aromatherapy using bubble bath, or scented bath oils. Lavender has been found to
remedy a wide range of ailments of the body and spirit; including insomnia, fatigue, depression, and anxiety. To maximize the benefits of your bubble bath, clear your mind and focus on the sensations you feel – the warmth of the water, the soothing scents of bath oils, and the stillness around you. You can even listen to a custom playlist that suits your mood, for added relaxation.
3. Upgrade to a Massage Chair
If you suffer from chronic pain, or your muscles are especially tight, it might be time to invest in a massage chair. While trips to the masseuse are extremely beneficial for muscle pain, for most people, massage sessions are a rare extravagance – due to the cost and time required. Instead of trying to fit regular spa days into your already chaotic schedule, bring the luxury into your home by upgrading to a high-quality,
doctor-recommended massage chair. Today’s massage chairs use technology to mimic the technique of actual masseuses, with a goal to relieve tension and decrease back pain. Talk to an
expert in ergonomic design, to help you pick out the perfectly matched chair for your specific areas of pain or discomfort. The investment is worth it for the daily relaxation and stress relief it can provide – and it’s easy to incorporate this into your weekly routine, since you don’t even have to leave the house to get the benefits!
4. Channel Your Inner Yogi
Though increased movement may sound counterproductive to relaxation, the benefits of staying active can actually
help you feel more relaxed overall. You don’t have to be a marathon runner to get your energy up, or to release endorphins. Yoga is an ancient exercise, and spiritual practice, with more than 100 different forms – all varying in degrees of pace and intensity. The health benefits of yoga include increased body strength, flexibility, and better mind-body connection. The best part is that you don’t have to join a yoga studio to channel your inner yogi – there are thousands of instructional videos, and
online resources out there for little or no cost. Bust out your mat, and search YouTube to get started, all within the comfort of your own home.
What are some of your favorite ways to de-stress and relax? How do you find solace in your home? Share your feedback in the comment section below!
