With the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, the past two years have been anything but relaxing. Besides the economic distress that’s plagued the entire world, people have also had to worry about the possibility of getting sick.
In recent years, the world has been turned into an environment of fear. For this reason, it is important as ever to take care of your mental health and find time in your schedule to relax.
Yes, relaxing doesn’t make you any money; but it can save you from serious health issues down the line.
When life gets hectic, it may seem like the best thing to do is to buckle down and brace yourself for impact. In reality though, it might be best for yourself to take a moment and unwind.
Admittedly, the past few years have taken a toll on all of us, both physically and mentally. This year, let’s strive to do better for ourselves and each other. Continue reading to discover new ways to relax in 2022!
Use Essential Oils
Essential oils are compounds extracted from plants, typically used in aromatherapy. The oils are designed to capture the plant’s scent and flavor, also known as its “essence.” Every individual oil contains a unique blend of aromatic compounds. This is what helps differentiate their scents and flavors.
They are made through distillation (steam and/or water) or mechanical methods like cold pressing. Once these scented chemicals are extracted, they are mixed with a carrier oil to create the final product.
Before you go out and buy a set of essential oils, it is important to know how they are made. Essential oils produced through chemical means are not considered genuine; avoid these types of oils.
The best essential oils for relaxation include patchouli, spearmint, neroli, lavender, rose, bergamot, ylang ylang, and lemon. At the end of the day though, you should choose a scent and flavor that you enjoy and find relaxing.
There are a ton of essential oil brands out there, so do your research before you commit to one. One of the most popular products on the market right now are Bubbly Belle essential oils. In addition to relaxation, these oils also target mood, focus, stress, and meditation.
Read a Book
At the end of the work day, it’s easy to curl up into bed and watch Netflix for hours. This may seem relaxing in theory, but it can actually be quite draining.
Mindlessly watching TV does very little for the brain. Contrary to popular belief, a lack of mental stimulation can actually be detrimental to your stress levels.
Instead, you might want to pick up a book or a magazine to end the night. This allows you to avoid the harmful blue light of your TV screen and engage in some light, critical thinking before the day’s end.
If you’re someone who experiences eye pain when reading, you may benefit from reading glasses. Learn how to pick reading glasses here!
Cook a Tasty Meal
After a long work day, you may be tempted to hit the nearest fast-food joint and call it a night. When you’re tired, it is easy to succumb to whatever’s quick and convenient.
Next time you feel the urge to stop at McDonald’s, try to resist. Instead, go home and see what you can cook up yourself.
This is almost always going to result in a healthier meal, which according to science, is a more relaxing meal! Things like refined grains and breads, sugary drinks, and processed foods are proven to increase anxiety levels.
Besides the health benefits of home-cooked food, the process of cooking itself can also be very relaxing. Just think of it as an activity to do, not a chore to complete. Take pride in your cooking and see just how delicious you can make your next meal!
To ensure that your food is clean and healthy, invest in some non toxic cookware. Not only is this cookware non-toxic, it is also non-stick and highly conducive to heat, guaranteeing an even cook.
Snooze in a Bean Bag
There’s nothing more relaxing than laying down in a warm, fluffy bean bag. Luckily, you don’t have to make a huge investment to buy a bean bag these days. You also don’t need a ton of space!
For the best bang for your buck, look for convertibile bean bags. The highest quality ones will be made of genuine fur or leather.
Your bean bag should also contain polyfoam that doesn’t compress over time. This is one of the most essential features of a beanbag. Otherwise, it will fall apart rather quickly. Preferably, look for a brand that offers a lifetime warranty.
You should probably avoid falling asleep in your beanbag, as it isn’t the best for your back and neck. However, they are wonderful to lay in as you watch TV, read, or listen to music!
Use Crystals
If you consider yourself spiritual, you may benefit from using healing crystals or gemstones as a means for stress. Crystals have a variety of benefits such as the improvement of focus, sleep, and most notably, stress. There are even crystals for depression.
The most popular crystals used for relaxation include amethyst, celestite, howlite, rose quartz, and black tourmaline. You can activate the effects of these crystals by placing them around your home, carrying them, wearing them around your neck or body, or incorporating them into your meditation routines.
Crystals are thought to absorb, amplify, and focus energy inside the body. Healing crystals originate from Ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia, Ancient Greece, Ancient Rome, and India.
Play Some Vinyl Records
Who doesn’t love music? It is no secret that listening to music is one of the best ways to relax. Whether you’re on the bus, in the office, or at home, a nice tune can always lighten the mood.
Nowadays, it is far more convenient to use digital streaming platforms to listen to music. However, the true music lovers in the world will always value a good ol’ vinyl record.
To play your record, place the vinyl on your turntable, raise the cue lever, and turn the record player on. The record should begin spinning and playing music.
There’s nothing like having a physical record of your favorite artist or album. Unlike listening to music digitally, playing physical records is an immersive experience. This disparity can be compared to how different it feels reading a physical book from a digital one.
If you’re looking for some relaxing music, consider getting some jazz vinyl records! Jazz is known for being incredibly smooth. This genre of music can have an amazing healing effect. It is commonly described as therapeutic and soothing.
It Might Be Time to Move
If you’ve tried all of the things mentioned above and are still struggling to relax, it may be time for a change of scenery.
Sometimes, there’s nothing left you can do to improve your situation but move. If you live in an area that is busy, it might be better for your mental health to relocate somewhere quieter.
Moreover, it is prime time right now to sell your house! The market is absolutely booming, which is great for sellers. It is also super easy nowadays, thanks to home listing services.