In the hustle-bustle of city life, it seems to be an in-built act that to fit in, you have to be as stressed as the other guy. You may be amused to realise that in fact, the laid-back approach to life is the way to live it longer and happier.
We often hear about the side-effects of stress, ranging from a colourful variety of blood-pressure, heart and brain defects, but we tell ourselves, “I’m not like that. I can handle it.”
Of course you can – but you are not a machine. Take time out for yourself.
Not sure how to?
Have a few tips …
- Naps – the myth of laying down for an hour and rising like a wide-eyed Snow White is obviously not true, but naps are the definitive way of resetting your body. Take 25 minutes to lie back and unwind.
- Music – Jazz up your brain with something you love. Whenever you walk into a cafe with good music, don’t you want to just nuzzle up in a comfy seat? You’re allowed to do the same thing – fit those headphones into (or over) your ears, sit back and let yourself breeze along…
- Books – There is nothing like the woody scent of a good book. Like a good glass of wine, taste the rhythm and pace of an intriguing murder mystery, that heart-stirring nation’s recommended or the thorny shock of a good horror. Whatever your flavour, your brain will be flexed, sharper and relaxed without you even noticing. So, switch off that TV – don’t bombard your brain!
- Daydream – Remember that awesome moment in that chapter? Imagine if you were in that person’s shoes. You’d totally do it so much better – you’d have seen that knife before it even came near your accomplice! Take a moment to daydream, to stretch out your imagination – as well as being good fun, you can take holidays, go on adventures and think of your ambitions without ever leaving your seat.
- Take a bath – Soak in that steam and heave a contented sigh with the phone switched off, the internet cut off and just you in your relaxed corner of the world. Switch on some music or just listen to the happy chirp of dripping water – it can be your little secret.
When it comes to relaxation, there are a multitude of ways to get there – just as long as you take it. Make sure that no matter what it is, you can unburden yourself, at least for a while.
Go on – you deserve it.
5 Relaxing Ways to Save Your Life
