Being Disciplined About Relaxation

Hi Passion Fit Crew! I hope you all are doing well. Today I wanted to talk about a concept called being disciplined about relaxation. What does that mean, you ask? Well, while I know this concept sounds counterintuitive, in this crazy busy, tech-driven world we live in, many of us are living life at a pretty fast pace, over-scheduled, working long hours and constantly connected to our devices. Therefore, for many people, it does take discipline to actually stop and relax.

I know I’m just as guilty as the next person for having way too much on my plate as an entrepreneur of my own company, managing my kids’ school and sports activities, volunteering, managing a household and having a busy social schedule. I’m also a Type A personality, very active and ambitious, which can make it hard for me to take breaks and relax. My husband and two kids are the same way, so we are often hit with a quadruple whammy in our house. 🙂

However, I’m trying to make more of an effort for myself and my family to slow down and take some time to just be outside or relax at home and not schedule so many activities throughout the week and weekend, which often leaves us all exhausted. Also, when it comes to work, I’m trying to carve out a schedule that’s realistic for myself and my family and not stretch myself so thin by taking on each and every opportunity that comes my way. That is definitely hard for me to do, but I’m working on it.

Many research studies out there have shown that taking time out to relax increases productivity, reduces stress and leads to better health and happiness and a more balanced life. By taking some breaks and time away from work and other activities that pose a constant demand on your time, you could have the ability to boost your creativity, generate new perspectives and ideas, enjoy time with loved ones and actually appreciate the world around you, rather than just going through the motions of day to day life, feeling overwhelmed and not really taking it all in. You’ll also likely feel more calm and less anxious all the time, which you’ll not only appreciate, but the people around you will as well.

Some great ways to relax include:

– Turning off the TV

– Putting away devices such as your phone, tablet or laptop

– Listening to relaxing music

– Breathing or meditating

– Doing yoga

– Going outside for a walk, hike, run or bike ride

– Cooking

– Sitting in a hot tub or sauna

– Getting a massage

– Reading an enjoyable book or magazine

– Talking to family, friends or your significant other

– Watching a movie

– Laughing

– Taking a relaxing shower or bath

– Taking a nap

– Going to sleep earlier or waking up a little later if your schedule permits

– Taking vacations and weekend getaways more regularly

…and this list could go on and on. What are some of the ways you like to relax? What are the roadblocks in your day to day life that might be preventing you from relaxing more often if you aren’t already? When you do actually find time to relax, how does it make you feel? Tune into these questions and figure out ways you can incorporate relaxation more into your daily life. It might take some discipline, but it’s definitely worth it and will soon become more natural and important to you the more you make time to do it.

Well, that’s it for today guys. I’ll be back with another post soon. Now go ahead and give yourself permission to RELAX….you deserve it! 🙂