The Importance of Relaxation

Now that I am done with all my exams for this semester, I can't shake the feeling that I still have something to do, have somewhere to be. I think this feeling of restlessness is familar to a lot of people. We are always in the middle of something, our minds always racing about jobs and exams. But way too often we ignore this feeling of constant anxiety and strain and just get used to it until it is a part of us. One thing I learned over the years is that we have to stop and just take a little time to take care of ourselves, once in a while. We have to switch our powerbuttons off to allow our minds and bodies to refuel and recharge. I think everyboy has their own ways of coming down after a busy and stressfull day or week. But for those who simply can't relax for the love of god I want to share my realxing routine and maybe inspire some of your relaxing techniques.

The first thing that has become my go-to when it comes to winding down is meditation. The whole point of meditation is to stop your racing mind and concentrate on your breathing. This helps you to pause the situation you are in and ultimately realx. One thing I noticed right after getting into meditation is that it also shows you how tense you really are. Your body stores stress all over your muscles. Especially in your shoulders and jaw.  To take a moment to breathe and just notice how you are feeling without trying to change it can go a long way relaxation-wise. Of course you can meditate  without any help but I find it quite hard to switch off without a guided meditation. That's why I downloaded the Calm app. The app as well as the book that goes along with it are concepted by Michael Acton Smith. There is also a website where you can also do a seven day trial on the meditations. After the seven days you will have to pay for your full membership. For those asking themselves if this is worth the money I can honestly say: It is! The membership unlocks so many great features in the app. There are hundreds of meditations for every situation and they are always adding new ones. You can improve your sleep over a weeks course, calm your anxiety, learn gratitude and so much more.

you can dowload the app for iOS on the App Store

The app also tracks your progress and helps you to continue your meditations with a daily reminder. It just is an amazing app. The book also holds many techniques and strategies to improve your midnfullness. It is beautifully designed and actually just calms you by flicking through it.

Another way to unwind after a stressfull day is taking care of your body. Have a good old pamper. Nothing lifts my mood as much as a hot bath with lighted candles all around me, a good face mask slapped on my face and a TV-series playing on Netflix while I soak in the water. The great thing about baths is that you can't take your phone. At least I don't, because I'm afraid of dropping it in the tub. I love my phone. If I could I would hold on to it 24/7. Yeah, well actually I do but sometimes I just want my peace and quiet. No messages, emails, and reminders that come in on a minutely basis. In the bath it's just good old me and Netflix. A digital detox is very important as we constantly are on our phones and laptops, always replying to something.

After my bath I like to get into my most cozy socks, put on the kettle and drink a cup of tea while reading a good book or continue watching Netflix. My feel-good programms on there are Gossip Girl and Gilmore Girls. I just realize that they both have the initials GG and am blown away by this fact. For times I also need a little cheer-me-up I watch either Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt or New Girl (there are too many TV programms with a "girl" in it).
Another way of relaxing I recently discovered for me is colouring. Our stores has been overswept with adult colouring books and I love it.

I bought the Lost Ocean one for myself and got the Vogue Colouring Book for my birthday. Lost Ocean speaks to my love for the little mermaid and the Vogue one to my love of fashion. But it isn't really the point what you are colouring just that you do. There is nothing that can keep me from overthinking as much as colouring. It also takes you right back into your childhood which is always a good thing. No wonder kids do not have a worry in the world, they got all the good stuff.

I hope I could inspire some of you to overthink your busy lifestyles and unwind today.