Finding Ways to Unwind Your Mind

Most people nowadays are so wound up in everyday stress that they have actually become unable to unwind. To keep both your body and mind healthy, you need to dedicate a certain amount of time every day to relaxation, self-indulgence and complete and mindful presence in the moment. However, this is not as easy as it may seem, and most of the time, we struggle to find ways to reset our minds along with our bodies. In an attempt to help you get started, we listed some of the most effective techniques to reach this level of present-minded relief.

Don’t try too hard to relax

Ironically, trying hard to relax and not succeeding further increases your stress level. Mindfulness means maintaining a moment-by-moment awareness of your feelings, thoughts, and bodily sensations through a calm and gentle approach. However, it also involves acceptance. So, the next time you feel that you’re about to reach that I’m-gonna-lose-it point, try accepting your thoughts and feelings without judging them and let them go.

Mind games

People tend to feel better when they do something that uses their brain. So-called mind or brain games are activities that target very specific cognitive abilities and, as such, are both a good way to work out your brain and liberate it from the daily external stress. There is a great number of indoor stress relief games, with the classic Sudoku being the most popular choice. However, crosswords, puzzles, and solitaire are also quality me-time activities that are both entertaining and stress-relieving. On the other hand, social board games can boost your happiness and interaction and significantly reduce your anxiety, worries, and depression. So, spending time with your family, relatives, and friends while playing cards, monopoly, or Ludo is also a way to unwind your mind.

Spa treatment

With all the stress going on for all of us and all the distractions we are constantly drawn to – news, social media, checking our phones – we absolutely deserve a time for self-indulgence, or at least an afternoon once a week to give ourselves a well-deserved break. Taking time off and having some quality spa time is a great way to escape from work, stress, your pending emails and your social media notifications. Once you decide to schedule either an at-home spa session – a long soak in a hot bubble bath with essential oils – or an appointment at a nearby spa, make sure to reserve a couple of hours for lying back weightless.

Indulge in your creative side

Find what amuses your brain and dedicate some allotted time to it every week. Whether it is writing down your thoughts at the end of the day, watching ballet, or cooking, indulging in any form of art or creative activity is tremendously beneficial to your mental health. Completely turning off and engaging in a creative process is one of the most beautiful ways to unwind.

Meditation or yoga

These traditional stress relief methods are calming, and they are unquestionably the safest path to reaching the state of inner-mindfulness. Physical exercise helps reduce stress hormone levels in the body, and engaging in activities such as meditating outdoors, doing yoga on the beach, simply hiking with friends, or jogging in nature yields major benefits – they give you an ideal opportunity to clear your mind, breathe healthy air, boost your energy, and become one with nature. For many people, meditation sounds like a waste of time, and they refuse to believe that sitting and doing nothing can make you less tense, more productive, and closer to your true self. However, meditation activities can help you maintain and promote your physical and psychological wellbeing. Giving it a 10-minute try once a day won’t hurt you.

We are prone to forgetting what self-care truly means, in spite of repeatedly being told about it on health blogs, social media, and by those close to us. Unwinding your mind is not solely for individual purposes, as it additionally affects your emotional, social, and professional life. Choose one of these techniques and dedicate some time to it every day in order to relax and let go of yesterday.