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New methods to put more chill into your day to day life
If you struggle with traditional methods used to de-stress this article has fresh ideas you can try out to find the perfect relaxation activity for you.
We all know the usual relaxation techniques: deep breathing, yoga, meditation, and a good book by the fire. But what if you’re looking for something a bit more off the beaten path? Specifically, what if the generic ones just don’t really get the job done? For some people, it’s the unusual ones covered in this post that work.
If you’re craving a unique way to unwind and relax, you’re in the right place. Here are some unconventional methods for better relaxation that you might not have tried yet.
You may like the calm stress relief crystal body bar set here.
Forest Bathing
Are you familiar with the concept of grounding? This is a health benefit of connecting directly with the earth to center ourselves. It is scientifically proven to be effective. Forest bathing is within that same realm of concept.
In Japan, they often practice Shinrin-yoku, or forest bathing here in the west. This practice is about immersing yourself in the sights, sounds, and smells of the forest.
How do you do forest bathing?
Choose a Location: Select a forest or woodland area where you can spend uninterrupted time. It doesn’t have to be a large forest; even small patches of trees can be beneficial.
Take Your Time: Allocate at least 30 minutes to a few hours for your forest bathing session. The key is to slow down and not rush.
Be Present: Focus on the present moment. Leave behind distractions such as phones and gadgets. Use your senses to fully engage with the surroundings.
Walk Slowly: Move slowly and deliberately, allowing yourself to notice the small details in the environment. You can stop, sit, or lie down if you feel like it.
Breathe Deeply: Take deep, mindful breaths to absorb the fresh forest air and the aromatic compounds released by the trees.
Reflect: Spend some time reflecting on your experience. You can meditate, journal, or simply sit quietly.
So, you should spend time in nature, walking slowly and mindfully through the woods. Studies have shown that forest bathing can lower cortisol levels, reduce stress, and improve overall well-being.
Float Therapy
I remember my first time doing float therapy at Flot spa in my city. These are sensory deprivation tanks where you are able to lay in small private pool of water, buoyant and weightless, with no sensory input to distract you. You will have an option to hear relaxation music and soft blue light if desired. I felt a little freaked out floating in pure darkness but a soft blue light was perfect.
You float weightlessly because the water is infused with Epsom salts, allowing you to float effortlessly, while the tank’s environment is designed to block out all light and sound. It’s an experience that can help you achieve a deep state of relaxation and mental clarity. These are usually only available in the speciality spas, so they can be a little bit expensive.
Your spa room is private, you will shower before and after the float session. The water is cleaned before each person uses the float pod.
A bonus, because they are magnesium-filled, these baths are added relaxation for sore muscles and can help you sleep more soundly so I recommend doing this type of session in the evening if possible.
Aromatherapy and using essential oils effectively
A twist on traditional ways of thinking of aromatherapy is using essential oils, perhaps not the typical relaxation scents. Oils like lavender can help keep you calm, yet there is one type that doesn’t get much attention, and that’s cannabis. That’s right, cannabis and anxiety can be related, as in one helps the other. So, using cannabis to help soothe anxiety and general anxious thoughts is effective for many people.
How? When you purchase cannabis essential oil just use it as you would for aroma therapy. It can be a good way to calm your nerves.
Pet Therapy
If you have a pet you know the special feeling of spending time in their company. How they wait for you to get home, how they enjoy sitting with you or near you while you watch tv or work. Have you noticed not only does your pet enjoy sleeping with you at night but you also feel a sense of comfort with them nearby? It is a mutually beneficial act to share the bed with your pet (it’s not always a choice as our pets often dictate where they sleep!)
In general, spending time with animals can have profound calming effects. Often the unconditional love from animals and lack of expectation creates an incredibly relaxing no pressure environment that can almost instantly put you at ease when in their company.
If you don’t have a pet, consider visiting a cat café or volunteering at an animal shelter. The unconditional love and companionship of animals can lower stress levels and bring joy to your day. Even a few minutes of petting a furry friend can work wonders for your mood.
You may like this post on how to meditate when you can’t – some less conventional methods to experience the benefits of meditation.
Coloring Books
Adult color books rose to popularity in the 2010’s, and can still be found as best-selling items like single coloring pages on Etsy and adult coloring books on Amazon, like this stress relief coloring book. I see them as a coveted item every year at white elephant gift parties, people fight to keep the color pencils or markers and adult coloring book gift!
Coloring has the ability to relax the fear center of your brain, the amygdala. It induces the same state as meditating by reducing the thoughts of a restless mind. This generates mindfulness and quietness, which allows your mind to get some rest after a long day at work
You may like this post on 10 meditative hobbies to help you relax and recharge for more ideas.
