In honor of National Relaxation Day, we've compiled a list for you with tips and tricks as to how you can treat yourself, take care of your temple, and practice self-care today (and every day!).
1. Unplug
How many of us are guilty of mindlessly scrolling through our phones when boredom strikes or we have some free time? How many of us actually come away from that time feeling good, refreshed, and inspired? While social media can be a great tool to connect with friends and family, it can also be draining and lead us down a dark hole of comparison and jealousy. On this National Relaxation Day, try to unplug! Steer clear of social media and instead focus on connecting with loved ones through coffee or a phone call. I promise it’ll make all the difference in helping you feel more peaceful and grounded!
2. Read a Book
We all want to but we all feel like we just never have the time. Well, you’re in luck because today is the perfect opportunity to pick up that book that's been sitting on your shelf, waiting to be read! Try sitting down with a cup of coffee (or whatever beverage you prefer) and a nice, healthy snack and go ahead and dive into your favorite story. It can be any kind of story, just allow yourself to be submerged into the literary world that distracts you from your daily worries.
Leave this world for a moment and become a part of another. It’ll work wonders.
3. Take a Bath
Did you know that baths have been scientifically proven to improve heart health, help you to breathe easier, reduce pain, and hydrate your body? They also just feel amazing and work wonders in helping you to relax. Try filling up your bathtub with your favorite bubble bath or even some Epsom salt to help soothe tense muscles (we all have them!). Light a candle. Turn the lights off. Hello National Relaxation Day, we love you.
4. Try a Facemask
This seems like an obvious one, but, of course, we had to include it within this post. Facemasks are a great way to unwind and relax and also hydrate and replenish your skin. You can run to your local Target or CVS to pick up a facemask or you can even make your own! If you decide to DIY it, make sure to leave a comment with your favorite recipe is so we can give it a try!
5. Go on a Walk
Life can sometimes feel overwhelming and even a little claustrophobic, can’t it? Here’s a tip: when you’re starting to feel like you’re going crazy, try taking a walk. It doesn’t have to be a long, power walk where you come back panting and sweating like crazy. It can be a short, slow walk around your block. Maybe take a walk to your favorite coffee shop or bakery. Just get out and be in nature, even if it’s only for a couple of minutes. How do you feel now?
6. Take a Nap
Take some time out of your busy schedule to sleep. You are more productive and energized when you’re well-rested. And we all know that nearly everyone is sleep-deprived and in need of some extra ZZZs.
7. Enjoy the Sunlight
Sunlight plays a crucial role in your physical and mental health. When we are lacking vitamin D, our serotonin levels can dip which then puts us at a higher risk of major depression with seasonal pattern. However, getting anywhere from 5-15 minutes of sunlight a day can help boost your serotonin levels which then results in a more calm and focused mindset. Try sitting outside today and welcome the sunlight onto your skin for a couple of minutes and see how relaxed you feel after.
8. Take a Trip
You don’t have to spend a lot of money or travel really far. Rather, try planning a day trip or a weekend getaway to the next city over or your favorite hotel a couple of blocks down. Create time and space for you to relax and experience a new place. This can be a solo trip or a vacation with friends! Wherever you end up, I guarantee you’ll come away feeling rejuvenated and rested.
9. Have Intentional Alone Time
This might be the hardest one to accomplish. I know, for me, it can be really difficult to sit alone with my thoughts and feelings. They’re not always pretty and so I prefer to surround myself with distractions. However, it is really important to be in tune with yourself and to pay attention to what’s going on in your heart and mind. One thing that I love to do is journal. Try writing down your feelings, worries, annoyances, etc. (whatever is on your mind), and surrender them to God. By writing these emotions down, it helps you to better process and navigate those feelings in a healthy, more effective way, rather than keeping it all bottled up.
10. Prioritize YOU
Repeat this with me: it’s okay to say no to people, it’s okay to take time for yourself. On National Relaxation Day, try adopting this mindset. Check-in with yourself and evaluate if the plans you’ve made were agreed to because you feel guilty or because it’s something you really want to do. Don’t be afraid to turn down invites to spend some time practicing these self-care tips.
The Gracemade team values and cherishes self-care time. Although life gets crazy and we may not always practice these different tips on a daily basis, let’s hold each other accountable and empower one another to take care of ourselves to the best of our ability. Let’s learn to treat our bodies and souls with the respect and care they deserve and put 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 into action. Happy National Relaxation Day!
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