When is the last time you took time to relax without feeling guilty for it? Does taking a much-needed break often come with a healthy dose of anxiety? A lot of people struggle with the idea of relaxing. There’s always something that needs to be done, meetings, chores, work, and everything under the sun. We’re a society that is always on go, and place a high value on our ability to produce. No wonder we feel bad when we’re not producing. However, many of us forget that we need to make time to relax in order to be able to perform at our best. We all deserve to have some peaceful downtime from time to time. Here are 6 simple ways to relax without feeling guilty for it.
The Importance of Relaxing
Relaxing is literally defined as ” to make or become less tense or anxious.” So why do so many of us struggle with letting our angst go when we hit pause on our lives? Relaxation although not the same as rest goes hand in hand with it. Rest is defined as “ceasing action, motion, and freedom from activity or labor.” Finding time to relax and rest on a regular basis not only helps your productivity, but it also comes with a number of health benefits including:
- Lower blood pressure
- Reduced stress (when you’re not stressing about relaxing)
- Overall boost in your energy
- Better sleep
- Improved mood
The Risk of Not Relaxing
I personally live for those days when I can shut off my phone, grab my favorite ice cream, and binge-watch my favorite TV shows without a care in the world. But lately, I realized that my off days we’re being overshadowed with my obsession with my to-do lists, what I could be doing with my downtime, deadlines I have to meet, and all the things I’ve been neglecting. In the past, that guilt prompted me to work and always be on go 24/7. And do you know what happened? I burned out.
For those of you that don’t know, burnout is defined as “the physical or mental collapse caused by overwork or stress”. When you experience burnout you can become sick, unmotivated, or your job performance can suffer. Just remember that balance is key. So if you feel yourself becoming overworked or simply spread too thin, take a moment to listen to your body and set aside some time to relax. I promise you, it won’t be the end of the world and you actually are giving yourself a chance to re-energize, refocus, and come back to work in full swing.
Burnout is very real and scary. And if you’re not careful and intentional about making time to relax, you run the risk of burning out. Check out my blog about burnout here.
6 Simple Ways to Relax
Remember you can not produce if you’re not at your best, mentally or physically. So make time for you and your rest. Here are 6 simple ways to relax.
Change your mindset
Accept that your health and mental wellbeing are important and should be a priority in your life. When you accept that, you will understand that relaxing and rest are perfectly fine and that you deserve it.
Be intentional
You have to make time and be intentional about your downtime. Incorporate time for rest and relaxation into your schedule and stick to it.
Listen to your body
Always be in tune with your body and spirit. If your gut is telling you to slow down, take heed to that feeling. If you don’t you risk burning out and making the problem bigger.
Make it productive
If you are obsessed with a to-do list and things like I was. Try incorporating “productive” ways to relax. Like going for a walk, reading, journaling, etc.
Unplug
Sometimes it is hard to relax without feeling guilty because we’re constantly being bombarded with information and what everyone else is doing when you’re trying to relax. Take a day to completely unplug and quiet the noise.
Spend time with loved ones
Take advantage of this time to spend it with the ones you love the most. People that you can talk to, decompress with and completely be yourself. You’ll be relaxed before you know it.
In Conclusion
You have every right to take a break and relax. Remember that you can’t pour from an empty cup, so take care of yourself and relax! In addition to the 6 simple ways to relax, here are some ideas of things you can do to chill.
Practice Self-care
Treat yourself to a nice, hot, long bath! Turn on your favorite tunes, pour yourself a glass of wine, and relax. Trust me, your body will thank you for it.
Sightsee
Go to a park, take a walk, or go for a relaxing drive. Just don’t think about work! Allow yourself to live in and enjoy the moment!
Read
Reading can be an escape in itself and also therapeutic! There’s nothing like getting lost in a good book or even movie for that matter! Kick back and enjoy it!
Read ” 11 Mental Health Benefits of Reading.”
Looking for a book to read? Check out my novel, “Red Echo.”
Or simply do nothing…
And that is ok! Like I told you before, I do it from time to time. Sometimes those lazy days are necessary. Give yourself a chance to catch up on all the sleep you’ve been missing.
The Comments
Titra
These are some really great tips! I’ve been trying to squeeze in more naps so I don’t burned out. Unplugging sounds like a great way to rejuvenate.
Titra @ http://www.setitraymccain.com
Kelly
I think that everyone should do what works for them without letting everyone know their moves. People need to be much more focused on themselves, as opposed to what others are doing or letting people know that they are doing something that "everyone else" is not. I do a few of these to give myself a break- great suggestions! Have a great day!
Monique Elise
KellyThank you!
AmberLynn
I am a "work to live" kind of girl. I, too, need my 7-8 hours of sleep per night, and I feel no sense of care about the others who brag about working 24 hours. My anxiety intensifies if I don’t take time to decompress and step away from work, school, my blog, or whatever else is going on in my life. I do all four of what you suggested to give myself a break. Wonderful post!
Monique Elise
AmberLynnHey love! Thanks for stopping by! So glad you liked my post <3
taylor
I do agree we all need those moments to hang around and enjoy some relaxation, but I believe the majority of successful people are ones who wake up early and are highly productive.
Monique Elise
taylorHi Taylor, I think there is a difference between being productive and running yourself into the ground. Like I love Gary Vee he is a major BOSS and someone I admire, he’s literally taking over the world (IMO lol) he wakes up, busts his butt and works and even calls himself a workaholic, with all of that he still takes 7week long vacations to recharge. Thanks for stopping by!
Yen (GlossyCover)
Yes, I subscribe to the "work to live" mantra. Occasional breaks for self-care is so important. I support your "do nothing" 100%. LOL
Monique Elise
Yen (GlossyCover)Haha! Thanks girl!
meaghan
AMEN!! I used to be on the work like crazy end of the spectrum. And it did lead to burnout, plus alot of unmet expectations of what life would be like if I just kept working harder and proved to everyone how dedicated I was. Now, by the grace of God alone, I have been able to about face and change my perspective completely. I believe we were put on this Earth to work, and that we each have a special gift to offer. But like you, I believe that if we overwork that gift gets lost in the shuffle and the world never gets to see the light you have to offer! So rest. Nap. Take care of yourself! Thanks for sharing!
Monique Elise
meaghanAMEN Meaghan! So glad you were able to overcome that! xoxo
Oma N.
Great tips! Self-care is so important.
Monique Elise
Oma N.Thanks Oma!
Ellen
Awesome post! Sometimes I work hard without breaks and it’s exhausting. I really needed this reminder to just chill :’)
Monique Elise
EllenYes it is so important! Take care of yourself first! Thanks for stopping by!
Crystal Nicole
This is spot on! Taking a break and taking care of yourself is essential!
Monique Elise
Crystal NicoleAMEN!
xoxo
Tayja
I love this and it’s so true! We shouldn’t have to justify taking a break or relaxing (especially when we work unbelievably hard). We all need a little down time in our life.
Monique Elise
TayjaHi Tayja! EXACTLY!! Thanks for reading!
chris
I agree, you need to take time for yourself, if I didn’t I would certainly lose it as I have come close. Reading, meditation, and just taking a walk helps me. Great post!!
Monique Elise
chrisHi Chris, thanks for stopping by! I’m still working on the meditation part lol
Michelle
For a lot of people it’s a badge of honor to brag about how hard and hard many hours they work. I’m like you, I work very hard but I need my sleep and downtime,
Monique Elise
MichelleYup exactly! I need a break every so often! I work better!
Tisha
Currently doing nothing and loving it- it was much needed lol! Great post as always!
Monique Elise
TishaHaha! I hope you enjoyed it! Thanks doll!
Toni
Very good post. You see it all the time, especially on social media. People make it seem as though you have to sacrifice health and sleep to be successful; not true. Sure, there will be times those things are sacrificed, but it’s OKAY to rest (as you stated)…!
Great tips and motivational nuggets of information!
Monique Elise
ToniHi Toni! Isn’t it annoying?! Thanks for stopping by! xoxo