Featured photo by Photo by Photo by Taryn Elliott.
As August 15th approaches, so does National Relaxation Day. If you haven’t heard of it already, this day is a wonderful occasion that encourages everyone to take a step back, unwind, and treat themselves to some well-deserved relaxation. It’s like a special day dedicated to embracing calmness, reducing stress, and rejuvenating your mind, body, and soul. Not that we shouldn’t be doing this way more often than once a year! I personally like to take some time off everything on a weekly basis and dedicate a full day to all those tasks that make me feel more energised.
What is National Relaxation Day about?
On this day, people all across the UK take a break from their daily routines and partake in activities that help them unwind. Some prefer a leisurely stroll in a beautiful park, while others indulge in a spa day or a good book. There are also those who prefer a cosy night with a relaxing movie at home. This day serves as a gentle reminder for us to appreciate the small moments that bring joy and tranquillity into our lives. Whether you prefer meditation, a soothing cup of tea, or even a power nap, National Relaxation Day encourages us to take a break and embrace a sense of calm.
Why celebrate this day? Taking breaks and finding ways to unwind is crucial to maintaining good mental health. It can lead to increased happiness, better sleep, and a more rested feeling overall. This sense of rejuvenation can have a direct impact on your productivity levels, so make sure to take some time for yourself throughout the day.
A bit of history
National Relaxation Day was first conceptualised by Sean Moeller in 1985 when he was just nine years old. His inspiration was to create a day when people could unwind and take it easy. Sean provided an interview to The Des Moines Register (a local newspaper in Des Moines, Iowa) where he suggested that people should refrain from working or cleaning on National Relaxation Day, as those activities do not constitute relaxation.
In addition to being a well-known unofficial holiday in America, National Relaxation Day also served as the inspiration for its British equivalent, National Slacker Day, which was founded in 2001. When the digital era took over is when this holiday really took off. In fact, social media has helped to increase the popularity of this holiday, with brands and organisations frequently using the hashtag #NationalRelaxationDay to highlight the benefits of taking a break!
The Advantages of Relaxation Day
We all need some time to unwind and recharge. I’ve done a bit of research and listed some key benefits to consider when planning this year’s (or your weekly) relaxation day:
- Reduced Stress: A relaxation day can help lower stress levels by giving you a break from work or daily responsibilities. This can lead to improved mood, better sleep, and a healthier mind.
- Improved Mental Health: Relaxation gives you the opportunity to clear your mind, refocus, and recharge, leading to better mental clarity, creativity, and problem-solving abilities.
- Enhanced Physical Health: Rest and relaxation are essential for your body’s recovery and repair processes. Taking time off can reduce the risk of burnout, boost immunity, and promote overall physical health.
- Increased Productivity: Taking breaks and relaxation days can boost productivity. After a day of relaxation, you’re likely to be more focused, motivated, and efficient.
- Better Relationships: Quality time with loved ones can strengthen relationships and foster a sense of connection.
- Renewed Energy: Stepping away from your routine allows your body and mind to recharge. You’ll likely feel more energized, enthusiastic, and ready to tackle challenges.
- Enhanced Creativity: Relaxation can stimulate your imagination and creative thinking, leading to fresh perspectives and innovative ideas.
- Improved Sleep Patterns: A relaxation day can help regulate sleep patterns, leading to better sleep quality and overall health.
- Mind-Body Balance: Relaxing activities such as meditation or yoga can restore the balance between your mind and body, vital for optimal health.
- Personal Growth: Reflecting and pursuing activities you enjoy can contribute to self-discovery and personal growth.
The Best Ways To Relax
Relaxation techniques can vary depending on your individual preferences and interests, so it’s important to find what works best for you. Here are some popular and effective methods to try and relax:
Meditation and Mindfulness:
These practices have been shown to be effective in reducing stress and promoting mental clarity. In fact, many people use these techniques as a way to improve their overall well-being, from reducing anxiety to better sleep and increased self-awareness, meditation and mindfulness practices can help us relax and refocus in so many ways!
There’s no better time to start than National Relaxation Day.
Deep Breathing Exercises:
Deep breathing exercises are an effective way to reduce stress and promote relaxation. Start by finding a quiet and comfortable place where you can sit or lie down without interruptions, choose whether you’d like to use diaphragmatic breathing, the 4-7-8 technique, progressive muscle relaxation or visualisation and just start there.
Remember, the key to deep breathing exercises is to focus on slow, deep breaths that engage your diaphragm and activate the relaxation response in your body. With practice, you can learn to use these techniques to calm your mind, reduce stress, and promote greater feelings of peace and relaxation.
Journaling:
Journaling can be a powerful tool for self-discovery and personal growth. Writing down your thoughts and experiences can really help you gain clarity and insight into your emotions, behaviours, and beliefs. This can help reduce stress and anxiety by providing a safe space to process and release pent-up emotions.
This is one of my personal favourite ways to relax and if you’re looking for advice on how to start, all I can say is to focus on your feelings and experiences, rather than just recounting events or facts. Ask yourself questions like “How did I feel in that moment?” or “What does this experience mean to me?”
Yoga:
Yoga is a practice that has been around for centuries and is still popular today for good reason. By practising it, you can experience a holistic approach to wellness that benefits both the mind and body. Whether you’re a seasoned yogi or just starting out, incorporating yoga into your relaxation routine, can help you feel more relaxed, flexible, and strong..
nature walks or hikes
Spend time in nature, whether it’s a leisurely stroll in a park or a more challenging hike, to reduce stress and feel rejuvenated. The important aspect of taking some time with nature is to make sure you’re also taking time off screens in the meantime.
Reading or Listening to Music:
Why not try out activities you enjoy, such as listening to music or reading? These provide a great outlet to escape from the pressures of daily life and promote relaxation.
Studies have demonstrated that music can reduce stress and anxiety by lowering the levels of cortisol, a stress hormone, in the body. Slow-tempo music, classical music, or nature sounds are often used for relaxation purposes.
Music also has the power to uplift and improve our mood. Upbeat and energetic music can trigger the release of dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure and reward.
Creative activities:
Engaging in creative hobbies has been known to have numerous benefits for mental health and well-being. If you’re feeling stressed or overwhelmed, taking up a creative hobby can provide a welcome distraction and outlet for your emotions.
- Painting, drawing, and colouring can be meditative and calming, helping to alleviate anxiety and stress.
- Knitting and other needlework can be a form of mindfulness, helping you stay present and focused on the task at hand.
- Crafting can provide a sense of accomplishment and boost self-esteem, as you create something with your own hands.
- Engaging in a creative hobby can also help you connect with others who share your interests, whether through online communities or in-person classes.
So if you’re looking for a way to unwind and tap into your creativity, consider picking up a new hobby or revisiting an old one. Your mental health will thank you!
Connect with Loved Ones:
In the midst of our busy lives, it can be tough to maintain meaningful relationships with friends, family, and loved ones. Take the opportunity on National Relaxation Day to catch up and have a heart-to-heart conversation with those closest to you. Not only is it a great way to relax, but venting to someone can help ease your mind.
Have a Spa Day at home:
Another great way to relax is by treating yourself to a luxurious spa day in the comfort of your own home (Personally, my absolute favourite way!). Start by running a bubble bath and adding some essential oils or Epsom salts to help your body relax. While soaking, apply a facial mask of your choice and let it work its magic. Finally, put on some calming music to soothe your mind!
Experiment with different essential oils to find the perfect scent for your bubble bath. Lavender, chamomile, and eucalyptus are all great options for relaxation. If you want to really make the most of this type of relaxation, you could even try to use some DIY face masks and body creams! Take some time to relax and unwind after your spa treatments. Put on some calming music, sip a cup of herbal tea, and allow yourself to fully enjoy the peace and tranquillity of your at-home spa day.
Below, you can find some of my favourite brands to purchase these relaxing essential oils and beauty products.
brand recommendations
EcoRoots is dedicated to providing the best eco-friendly and low-waste products to consumers. They offer a diverse range of products, ranging from deodorants to essential oils and body scrubs, all designed to help you transition to sustainable alternatives for everyday essentials – even products for downtime!
Not only are most of their products plastic-free but the packaging and shipping are also environmentally friendly. Additionally, the company gives back a portion of their annual sales to organizations that support environmental conservation efforts, such as the Ocean Conservancy. My favourite product? Their tinted vegan lip balm!
What sets Castle Baths apart is their commitment to quality control. From ingredient selection to label printing, everything is done in-house in the US to ensure their products meet the highest standards. All products are formulated with natural ingredients and are 100% free of any harmful chemicals linked to cancer or birth defects. Most of their products are also vegan, kosher and gluten-free, catering to a diverse customer base.
Their extensive bath line is a standout, offering essential oils, salts, and soaps:
- Castle Baths CB Classics: Aromatherapy lines and scents are designed for different phases of life, complete with soaks, lotions, and other bath essentials.
- Tre’Yours: An anti-ageing line with pure natural skincare free of chemicals. This line includes Dead Sea products such as soaps, scrubs, and an avocado and hemp skincare line.
- Exotic Earth: A simple spa line for sensitive or needy skin, beloved by those who have or have had health issues, because it is so delicate to the skin.
Amrita has fostered strong relationships with hundreds of essential oil producers worldwide over the years. Many of these are small family farms that produce a variety of essential oils for aromatherapy applications. For each new oil harvest, a range of producers is available, allowing Amrita to choose the best oil. Only 100% pure, unadulterated botanical essential oils are selected, with the brand prioritising essential oils from wild-crafted or organically farmed plants.
All products that are listed as Certified Organic have been verified by third-party sources to meet USDA standards, ensuring that they were grown, harvested, distilled, and handled without pesticides, chemicals, and other toxic ingredients. Plus, if you’re not sure what you’re doing with this yet, they have a great blog section on their website that explains how to use essential oils and what the best pairings for relaxation, re-energising, and productivity are.
You can check out their chart here.
If you’re looking for rose oil, look no further.
Alteya grows and harvests roses and lavender and distils its own organic rose and lavender essential oils. Their steam-distillation method marries 400 years of tradition with science, just so that they can extract flower essences that are dermatology-grade and retain the therapeutic properties and synergy of these plants.
Their rose and lavender essential oils formulations are enhanced to specifically meet the skincare needs of modern, eco-savvy people. Based on an exclusive compound, their proprietary Bio-Damascena® Skin Reviving Complex, a combination of organic essential oils and extracts combined with Organic Rose Otto – is designed to improve skin’s resistance to environmental factors and slow down the ageing process. Needless to say, their essential oils are one of the must-haves for your relaxation routine. Check it out here.
Remember, relaxation is unique to each individual, so take the time to try out different activities and find what works best for you. The key is to prioritise relaxation and self-care regularly to maintain a healthy balance in your life.
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