Older Adult Wellness: Relaxation

Whether you’re retired or you work all day, today’s busy world of nonstop activity often makes it hard to find time to relax. Our to-do lists appear to grow instead of shrink, and it seems impossible to simply find time for ourselves and relaxation. Relaxation has many physical and mental health benefits. Finding time to relax is essential for living a healthy lifestyle.

Rest and relaxation provide many health benefits. It rejuvenates the body and mind, regulates your mood, decreases stress levels and positively affects your immune system.

Relaxing can slow your heart rate, lower blood pressure, reduce stress hormone activity, improve your concentration and boost your confidence to handle problems. Making time in your busy day for downtime is necessary to prevent the sense of fatigue and frustration, also known as burnout.

How can you make time for downtime? There are many tips and techniques you can use to ensure relaxation time.

First, make downtime a priority. Schedule and devote time out of your busy day to do something that relaxes you — It doesn’t have to be long; just make time.

Second, follow a routine. Set a time every day during the week that is consistent for you.

Thirdly, instead of running from one activity to another, create time to slow down the process so you’re not rushed. Leave for an appointment 10 minutes earlier than you normally would, and don’t overbook yourself.

Another great habit to form is to give your mind a break. Relaxation isn’t only about resting your body. A restful mind is just as important. Worrying and stressing over certain concerns can be detrimental to your overall health and well-being.

Ways to assist with mindful breaks during your day include creating lists. Lists allow you to write down an important thought and then come back to it when it is necessary. Sometimes when we give our mind a break and return to an activity, we have better clarity of the task at hand.

Another way to create mindful breaks is to participate in an activity or enjoy a hobby that requires your full attention. By doing so, you have no time during that short period to worry about your to-do list.

Relaxation is individualistic and will be different for everyone. What you find relaxing may not be relaxing for others. One simple way to practice relaxation is to take a five minute break from your work. Sit up straight, close the eyes, and slowly inhale through your nose. Now, exhale through your mouth. Take these five minutes to sit, breathe, and to think or recite positive thoughts. This is one simple way to relax, but relaxation does not always require a silent and still body and mind.

There are several ways to practice relaxation. Research shows that music and exercise can help to relax a busy mind and body. Some may find meditation or yoga class to be relaxing.

Others may find painting, swimming or gardening to be relaxing. Walking, stretching or other exercise help release feel-good chemicals within your body. The important point to remember is that whatever you choose to make time for is something you enjoy — something that relaxes you.