Life can be stressful, and when you’re at home, it’s important to take the time to relax and allow your body to unwind. When you keep stress trapped inside, your immune system suffers and toxins can be trapped in knots and tense muscle. Finding ways to relax at home isn’t always easy, however, especially when you have concerns from the day that linger with you. There are things that can aid in relaxation, however, and help you to let go of your stressors long enough, at least, for your body to reset. Here are just four great ways that you can relax your body and mind, giving them the break that they need to stay healthy.
Essential Oil Diffusers
Essential oils are incredibly therapeutic and restorative. If you’re trying to beat a cold, eucalyptus oil can help you with your sinuses. The same is true for peppermint oil. If you’re dealing with depression or anxiety, various citrus oils can serve as mood-boosters. If you want to relax, however, then by far the most well-renowned herb is lavender. Lavender works as a natural anti-inflammatory and the scent works to relax the mind. Placing lavender essential oils made for aromatherapy into a diffuser near your bed or near a relaxing space can help you find rest. Keeping it by your bed while you sleep also will work to increase the quality and length of your sleep. To take extra care of your diffuser, use purified water instead of regular water to prevent minerals from building up in the diffusing mechanism.
Hot Tubs
There’s nothing like being able to take a nice dip in the hot tub. Heat has long been used to force tense muscles to relax and is extremely beneficial for tension knots. Soaking in a hot tub also works to increase the blood flow in your body, flushing out toxins and helping sore muscles and lingering injuries heal. The relaxation effect given by the heat on your muscles allows for relaxation of the mind as well, giving healing benefits to both the body and mind. If you are experiencing chronic stress or often put a lot of strain on your body, then it may be beneficial to your health to invest in your own hot tub that you can soak in as needed. Do your research to find reputable hot tub retailers like Marquis Spas that specialize in hot tub and personal spa equipment. Some companies offer swim spas, which are hot tubs large enough to swim in, allowing for a fully-immersive experience if you have the space and budget.
Weighted Blankets
Weighted blankets are known to be effective for eliminating insomnia, anxiety, and stress. When you are stressed or anxious, your ability to deal with external sensory input can be lowered, basically giving you a short fuse. Weighted blankets help to block out that sensory input by giving a comforting pressure, whether draped over your whole body or even just across your lap. These blankets have also shown to provide great benefits for those with chronic anxiety disorders and autism. If you’re a light or restless sleeper, then they can also help improve the quality of your sleep, giving an added swaddling effect that helps your body sleep longer and better. Better sleep allows you to better heal your body and mind from the day’s stresses. You can find weighted blankets on many online retail websites, with an increasing number of companies making their own with various added perks like removable exteriors, varying weights, and machine-washable materials.
Reserve the Bedroom
Many people make the mistake of bringing their work into the bedroom. Your mind often creates associations with different settings, such as eating for the kitchen and work for your workplace. If you often spend time working in your bedroom, your mind may come to associate a productivity-based mindset with the room, making it harder to relax. However, if you reserve the bedroom for relaxing activities such as sleep, meditation, or even recreational reading, your body will do the opposite and associate your bedroom with relaxing. When you enter the bedroom, it should feel like a sanctuary. Improve the relaxing atmosphere with soft colors, cozy blankets, and feather pillows to help you feel comfortable and relaxed in your room.
Whether you have a stressful job, a hectic schedule, or even have a chronic condition that causes you repeated stress, there are things you can do right at home that will help you reset your mind and body at the end of every day. While these solutions are not a replacement for professional medical help, taking the time to unwind at the end of every day can make a great difference in your daily stress levels and in your health. As you develop a system that works for you, you’ll be able to see great improvements in your immunity and in your mental health.
