In this 21st century life, pretty much everyone is moving at a million miles a minute. With all the hustle and bustle people get swept into each day, its a wonder that anyone can find the time to relax. And more often than not, I know that I can't. Until recently. I realized that when 5 days out of the week I'm out until 9:30 or 10 at night working or at school, relaxation just isn't something I can put off. Finding the time, and money, to do so was the only thing stopping me. In order to get around this, I managed to find five ways I could work relaxing into my schedule without wasting time or needing money.
Number one: Read before bed. Now this might seem a little simple and not everyone likes to read for pleasure, but it really works. It doesn't have to be for more than ten minutes and it doesn't even have to be a book. Pick up an old magazine laying around, or the newspaper and scan the pages while you're settled in bed. Doing this will give you a chance to let your brain shut itself down and gets you relaxed, allowing you to fall asleep faster and with more ease.
Number two: Take a bath or a shower. You have to do it anyways, so make the most of it. Even if you're a morning shower person, taking a shower before bed is a great way to unwind from your day. If you have the time, take a bath. Allow the water to get hot enough for you to stand, that way it stays warm longer. This will give your muscles a chance to loosen and for your mind to calm down. You can switch from work mode to relaxation mode. Plus, you'll get a nice clean feeling!
Number three: Moisturize yourself! Some people might be staring at the screen asking if I really just said that. Yes, yes, I did. Take the time to rub your lotion or, if you have it handy, lavender or aloe baby oil, into your skin after your shower. The fragrances will calm down your senses while you work out small kinks your body may have gained from the day. Plus, it will leave your skin feeling silky smooth. Your sheets will feel wonderful against the softness and allow you to be more comfortable quickly.
Number four: Light a candle. If you don't have one, the dollar store is a great place to get small ones cheap. Light a few while you're cleaning or doing work. The flicker from the flame will create a relaxing ambiance and the scent will give the atmosphere a change of pace. You could even kill two birds with one stone and light some in the bathroom while you soak in a bath. Double the relaxation, double the calm!
And finally...Number five: Sleep! Sleeping is the best way to relax. Whether it's a short nap when you get home or going to bed a bit earlier, having that rest will help relieve a lot of stress. Now, don't over do it. Sleeping too much can be just as bad as not sleeping enough. Six or seven hours of sleep should do the trick. In the morning, you'll wake up feeling fresh without that dragging "I wish I had more sleep" syndrome most people find themselves having each day.
Now, these are just the things that I've done to help me relieve stress. There may be something else that relaxes you more. If so, then do it! Find ways to incorporate it into and soon, you'll be feeling calm and ready to face the world.
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