Relaxation is hard enough to get in normal times. A year into the pandemic, COVID 19 continues to exponentially increase stress as people around the world worry about their jobs, finances, their health, and everything in between.
Being at home hasn’t proven to be a relief for most people since they are now forced to stay in one location with the stress of their jobs, as well as homeschooling and raising their children, possibly dealing with ailing parents as well.
Being at home doesn’t have to be stress-inducing though. Try these ideas to transform the home into the relaxing refuge so desperately needed for these times.
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Breathe
Consciously controlling your breath can reduce your blood pressure and your heart rate. The key here is breathing deeply. There are deep breathing several exercises you can source online to show you how to do this properly.
Breathing correctly is important because it oxygenates the blood and it also helps the brain release chemicals into the body which help it relax.
So the next time you begin to feel overwhelmed by life, go to a quiet corner of your home and practice deep breathing for a few minutes.
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Play with a pet
Pets are one of nature’s heroes. It’s been scientifically proven that petting a dog or cat can relax you and release endorphins. People who play with their pets have also been demonstrated to have longer lives.
The benefits extend to your pet as well. Dogs release hormones that protect their organs whenever they are scratched behind the ear.
A simple game of fetch in the backyard with your dog, or watching your cat play with a ball of string can take a world of trouble off of your shoulders and help you relax.
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Employ the benefits of hot water and steam
You have gallons of one of the most restorative elements in the world available at the mere turn of your tap. A hot bath or shower can do wonders for easing tense muscles, which can help you sleep better. If you have a sauna, you are in luck, because the steam has been shown to be beneficial for many things, from your skin to your circulatory system.
If you’re thinking about taking advantage of the benefits of a sauna, you can install a prefabricated one in your home, or build one. Constructing your own sauna gives you the choice of using the materials you want, many of which you can get at mysaunaworld, as well as advice on what dimensions and accessories could be right for your project. Finish your home sauna with those little touches that help you relax and make space uniquely yours.
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Soothe the body with lotion
When you’re done with your hot shower/bath or the sauna, remember that heat can sometimes be drying to the skin. Don’t forget to replace that moisture by liberally applying your favorite lotion to your body. The luxurious feel of the lotion on your body is enough to invite relaxation. There are added benefits if your lotion is also scented with a fragrance you enjoy.
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Play a game/ Do a crossword puzzle
Taking the mind off your troubles and distracting it with an entertaining game or puzzle will work wonders to relax you. Here, you don’t only get the benefits of de-stressing, you also help to improve brain function and guard against conditions like dementia when you get older. You also have the opportunity to get to know your family members better and create positive memories with them.
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Seek out friends
The pace of life has slowed significantly for most of us since the beginning of the pandemic, even if stressors keep mounting. It may help to pick up the phone and reconnect with your friends. Laughter and good conversation can go a long way in reducing stress levels and you don’t need to leave your home to do it.
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Look for funny/positive material online
The Internet often gets a bad rap for spreading bad/incorrect news quickly, causing panic and raising stress levels. You can choose to look at its lighter side. Make a conscious effort to find motivational or funny videos that will make you laugh.
You can even print out the ones you like best and make posters of them to put at any location in your home, to remind you to relax and enjoy life.
The pandemic has ensured that stress is all around you. Your home does not have to become another source of it. Implement these techniques to help you relax in these difficult times.