Make a Resolution to Relax

Make a Resolution to Relax

It’s the time of year for resolutions. Make the one you just can’t afford to break. Make a resolution to relax, and here’s how.

It’s time for another year and another list of resolutions. This year, make the one resolution that can really affect your life, and that’s to relax more.

The resolution to relax is vital to your mental and physical health and well-being. It’s one of the best ways to take care of your mind and body.

Why Relaxation

Do you have a hard time relaxing? You aren’t alone.

According to the American Psychological Association, most Americans suffer from moderate to high stress, with 44% reporting that their stress levels have increased over the past five years.

People who can relax are better at managing stress and anxiety.

When we are stressed, our bodies react with a fight or flight response that isn’t altogether healthy.

Stress causes tense muscles, an increase in your heart and respiration rates as well as blood pressure, and other physiological problems.

If you struggle to relax, you may end up with chronic stress and anxiety. This can lead to irritability, depression, medical problems, anger issues and burnout.

When you are able to relax deeply, your body encounters the flip side of the fight or flight response. In other words, your heart rate and respiration rate decrease along with your blood pressure. Your muscles relax, and you are at peace.

Relaxation Techniques

While various relaxation methods work for different people, here are a few good ones to try this year.

  • Deep breathing exercises help lower your heart rate. Try breathing in for a few seconds through your nose and out for a few seconds through your mouth several times.
  • Visualize something soothing. This might be a mental picture of a relaxing time in your life or some sort of vacation spot that gives you peace.
  • Meditation can also help because not only are you concentrating on your breathing, but you are quieting your mind for a small period of time.
  • Getting a good night’s sleep does wonders for your overall health. You want to get enough, which for most adults is seven-nine hours per night. Not only does this help relax you, but it strengthens your memory, stabilizes your weight, improves your mood and can lower blood pressure and counteract illness.
  • A nice, regular hot tub soak is also a terrific way to add relaxation to your life.

As we usher in the New Year, we encourage you to take some time every day to improve your life by relaxing more and letting the stress fade away.

Thinking about a hot tub? Download our hot tub buying guide and start exploring your options.

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