Relaxation

Finding time to relax is just as important to your health and well-being as eating well and exercising regularly. All work and no play can lead to feeling burnt out, a state of exhaustion from being constantly overwhelmed and overworked. Symptoms of burnout include feeling empty, mentally and physically exhausted, and lacking in motivation. Finding time to relax and unwind can help to prevent burnout and has other benefits listed below.

1. Calms the mind. Mindfulness, a form of meditation can help to relieve tension in the mind.

2. Lowers blood pressure. This is especially important given that almost one third of American adults have hypertension.

3. Increases blood flow. While relaxation reduces blood pressure, it improves circulation. Studies have shown that short-term meditation correlates with improved blood flow to the brain, improved focus, and self-control.

4. Improves digestion. Anxiety and stress activate the sympathetic nervous system, which redirects blood away from your digestive system and to your extremities so that you can fight or flee. This activation can lead to an irritable bowel. Shifting oneself into a calmer state can suppress the sympathetic system allowing for blood flow to be directed to digesting your food properly.

5. Relief of musculoskeletal aches and pains. As we age, we tend to experience more muscle aches and joint pains. Relaxation can help to reduce discomfort and restore mobility. Using techniques like progressive muscle relaxation is one way to help unwind muscles. This is done by tightening muscles in one part of your body as you inhale and then relaxing them as you exhale. You then gradually work through different muscle groups until your entire body feels fully relaxed.