Living in the modern world means stress is a normal part of life. The simple act of existing takes a toll on us all. From having to work stressful jobs to raising kids to worrying about bills, there is no shortage of things to stress us out. Although you may insist on being a relentlessly responsible adult, you should take some time to sit back and relax for the sake of your mental and emotional health. This article will suggest proven ways to get you into a restful state.
Clean the House
There’s something very therapeutic about cleaning up your living space. Whether it’s because of the actual cleaning itself or the final outcome, one thing’s for sure: you’ll feel great afterward! The great news about cleaning is that you can start whenever the mood strikes or stop if something more urgent comes along. It’s one great way to relieve stress while getting those obligations out of the way.
Start your cleaning session with a simple broom and dustpan. Sweep up any debris on the floors, particularly in areas prone to heavy foot traffic. Alternatively, you can vacuum your way around corners and beneath the furniture. Continue to wipe the surfaces of walls and furniture clean with a damp cloth and cleaning solution. Clean the glass windows for a healthy shine. As you put your furniture back into place, consider doing so with energy balance in mind. You could start with feng shui for the bedroom and then make your way into the other rooms. The goal is to achieve a positive flow of energy wherever you go.
Interact With Pets
Woof, woof, meow! Pets are perfect for helping you relax. They provide companionship, a way to fulfill your need for touch, and plenty of laughs. Family pets can help you feel safe and secure, especially when they’re snuggling with you on the couch or beneath a tree. As an added bonus, you could get some exercise with a solid session of fetch or frisbee!
You don’t need to plan a lot of activities to receive the health benefits of playing with your pet. All you need to do is show up and start interacting with them! You can pet, kiss, cuddle, bathe, groom, or even play with your pet. If you have a camera ready, you could dress them up to take snapshots for memories or to share with friends. At the end of the day, all that matters is that you shared some good times together. P.S. Don’t forget to give them food and water!
Stretch Your Body
Self-care is important for relaxation purposes, especially concerning your body. You should do your best to exercise every day, even for a few minutes. Before and after you exercise, though, you should definitely put in the time to stretch your body to warm yourself up and avoid unnecessary injuries. Stretching can be combined with shock wave therapy to relax and recover from previous injuries.
You don’t need to sign up for yoga classes or leave the house to stretch; you only need an open area where you can extend your body without striking objects or people. A yoga mat is a nice bonus, but any solid surface will do. You can start by stretching your arms, legs, neck, and back. Take it slow and feel your muscles relax. Try to stretch for at least 10 minutes to get a decent session going. If you like doing these exercises, you can consider joining a local yoga class to get even more into it.
It’s always important to keep your mental health and emotions in check. The above suggestions are great ways to make sure that you can relax and unwind when the need strikes. Feel free to add any more healthy activities you see fit.
About the Author: Carol Evenson is a loving mother of three, an aspiring writer, and a social activist. She enjoys educating and learning and loves sharing her knowledge with her family and friends.
July is BIPOC Mental Health Month
Observed each July and formerly recognized as National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month, BIPOC Mental Health Month highlights the unique mental health challenges and needs of Black, Indigenous, and other People of Color (BIPOC). Please join us in recognizing the struggles of BIPOC and bringing awareness to the need for adequate, accessible, culturally relevant mental health treatment, care, and services.
www.rtor.org and its sponsor Laurel House are committed to the advancement of racial equity and social justice and to making mental health services available to all.
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The opinions and views expressed in any guest blog post do not necessarily reflect those of www.rtor.org or its sponsor, Laurel House, Inc. The author and www.rtor.org have no affiliations with any products or services mentioned in the article or linked to therein. Guest Authors may have affiliations to products mentioned or linked to in their author bios.
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