This article was co-authored by Leah Morris and by wikiHow staff writer, Hannah Madden. Leah Morris is a Life and Relationship Transition coach and the owner of Life Remade, a holistic personal coaching service. With over three years as a professional coach, she specializes in guiding people as they move through both short-term and long-term life transitions. Leah holds a BA in Organizational Communication from California State University, Chico and is a certified Transformational Life Coach through the Southwest Institute for Healing Arts.
There are 15 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page.
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Feeling stressed out is totally normal, but being stressed all the time isn’t great for your health. Knowing how to relax is vital for ensuring your well-being, and it can restore the passion and joy in your life. If you aren’t sure how exactly you can relax, read through this list of helpful tips to get you started on the right track.
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Expert Q&A
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QuestionWhat is the best way to relax?Adam Dorsay, PsyDDr. Adam Dorsay is a licensed psychologist in private practice in San Jose, CA, and the co-creator of Project Reciprocity, an international program at Facebook's Headquarters, and a consultant with Digital Ocean’s Safety Team. He specializes in assisting high-achieving adults with relationship issues, stress reduction, anxiety, and attaining more happiness in their lives. In 2016 he gave a well-watched TEDx talk about men and emotions. Dr. Dorsay has a M.A. in Counseling from Santa Clara University and received his doctorate in Clinical Psychology in 2008.
Licensed Psychologist & TEDx SpeakerIt really depends on what you like to do in your spare time and who you are as a person. There is no universal "best way" to relax. Some people really enjoy meditating or doing yoga. Other people like to take a long bath with a good book. It really depends on what you like to do. -
QuestionHow can I stop panicking at night?Sydney AxelrodSydney Axelrod is a certified life coach and the owner of Sydney Axelrod LLC, a life coaching business focused on professional and personal development. Through one-on-one coaching, digital courses, and group workshops, Sydney works with clients to discover their purpose, navigate life transitions, and set and accomplish goals. Sydney has over 1,000 hours of relevant coaching certifications and holds a BBA in Marketing and Finance from Emory University.
Certified Life CoachIf you're actively panicking at night, it probably means you're getting burned out by whatever's going on during the day. Try cutting your daily schedule down a bit and set aside more time for rest. -
QuestionTypical "relaxing" activities aren't actually relaxing for me. Is there something wrong with me?Leah MorrisLeah Morris is a Life and Relationship Transition coach and the owner of Life Remade, a holistic personal coaching service. With over three years as a professional coach, she specializes in guiding people as they move through both short-term and long-term life transitions. Leah holds a BA in Organizational Communication from California State University, Chico and is a certified Transformational Life Coach through the Southwest Institute for Healing Arts.
Life CoachRelaxing is different for everyone. Part of it is related to whether you're an introvert or an extrovert. Introverts are going to be more focused on having that alone time to be with themselves as a way to refuel and re-energize. Extroverts re-energize with people. They find more energy and fuel in interacting and doing social things and talking through things. You really just want to focus on how your body is feeling.
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Reader Videos
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If you’re having a lot of trouble relaxing, a mental health professional may be able to help.[16]Thanks
Tips from our Readers
- After stressful interactions, make a point to engage in self-care like taking a walk or luxuriating in a candlelit bath before bed. You’ll sleep better.
- Schedule relaxing activities like baths or nature walks on your calendar to ensure you make time for them, just as you would any important appointment.
- Invest in items like essential oil diffusers, adult coloring books, journals, or craft supplies to have relaxing tools available when you need them.
- Set phone alerts reminding you to take brief meditation or breathing breaks throughout the hectic workday. Short resets refresh your mind.
- Create a designated relaxation space in your home with comfy seating, blankets, soothing music, books, and your favorite snacks on hand.
- Tell friends and family about your commitment to reducing stress through relaxation techniques so they understand when you unplug.
References
- ↑ https://www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/healthy-lifestyle/stress-management/10-ways-to-relax-in-nature-and-stress-less
- ↑ Leah Morris. Life Coach. Expert Interview. 19 June 2020.
- ↑ Lucy Yeh. Life Coach. Expert Interview. 21 November 2019.
- ↑ https://www.helpguide.org/articles/mental-health/mood-boosting-power-of-dogs.htm
- ↑ https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/tips-for-everyday-living/relaxation/relaxation-tips/
- ↑ Lucy Yeh. Life Coach. Expert Interview. 21 November 2019.
- ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/8133-stress-10-ways-to-ease-stress
- ↑ https://www.apa.org/topics/healthy-workplaces/work-stress
- ↑ https://www.uofmhealth.org/health-library/uz2209
- ↑ https://health.clevelandclinic.org/essential-oils-101-do-they-work-how-do-you-use-them/
- ↑ https://learningcenter.unc.edu/tips-and-tools/taking-breaks/
- ↑ https://www.helpguide.org/articles/stress/relaxation-techniques-for-stress-relief.htm
- ↑ https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/explore-mental-health/publications/how-manage-and-reduce-stress
- ↑ https://www.mentalhealthfirstaid.org/2021/03/how-to-take-care-of-yourself-when-youre-feeling-overwhelmed/
- ↑ https://www.mountsinai.org/health-library/treatment/biofeedback
- ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK513238/
About This Article
If you need to relax in the moment, start by inhaling for 5 seconds, holding your breath for 5 seconds, and then exhaling for 5 seconds. Repeat this practice for a whole minute, since focusing on your breathing will often help you feel more calm. However, if breathing isn't working, try lying down in a quiet, dark place and closing your eyes. Then, listen to your favorite music or put on some light background music. Take this time to think about something other that what's stressing you out, since getting some space from the problem is often the best way to relax. If none of this is helping, try going for a walk outside without bringing any technology, since your phone or computer can be stressing you out even if you don't realize it! If you want to know more ways to feel relaxed, such as how to practice meditation or avoid getting stressed, keep reading!
Reader Success Stories
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"Reading this article kinda indirectly applied some of the passive tips, such as thinking alternatively, whilst also making me feel under control. So user friendly!"..." more