Here are some easy ways to relax that are actually good for your health. As opposed to some that might not be as beneficial…like drowning your sorrows in booze, ice-cream and/or hours upon hours of Netflix. (Let’s be honest; we all do this on occasion.)
Good morning beautiful friends! I am writing to you from the lovely Colorado (really from the Holiday Inn…but that’s beside the point).
I don’t know about you, but it’s tough for me to relax. I mean, I’m technically on vacation now and I’m doing blog work. I do think part of the beauty of blogging is that you can travel more, but it’s a double-edged sword where you kind of feel like you could always be working on something.
So I gave myself a small time frame to write you an introduction to this helpful guest post I had in my arsenal. I had originally planned on doing a recap of my half-marathon for today, but I won’t even tell you how long recaps take for me. What can I say…I am slightly long-winded. 
The importance of taking time to relax is immense. Your blood pressure is lowered, stress hormones are reduced and you can come back to your work with more clarity. I’m currently working on taking breaks and small moments throughout the day to relax. Not all ways to relax are super healthy (*cough* like the margarita I downed last night *cough*).
So check out some ways to relax that are healthy for you, while I try to take my own advice and relax while vacationing with Dave and attending Blend Retreat! (follow my travels on Instagram because that’s one place I’m letting myself plug into a couple of times a day!)
Disclaimer: This is a sponsored guest post which means I was compensated for my time and blog space, but of course I fully support this company that matches up bloggers with each other AND ones that promote relaxing. 🙂
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5 Ways to Relax That Are Good for Your Health Too!
Some of the ways you relax after a hard day’s work—like watching TV shows or having sweets—make temporarily make you feel calmer, but there are healthier ways to reduce tension that have a better impact on your health. Practicing relaxation regularly can have physiological benefits on your body, including a decrease in your heart rate, a drop in blood pressure, a reduction in muscle tension, as well as decreased anxiety and improvements to your overall wellbeing.[1] When you feel relaxed and at ease, you feel more in control during challenging situations, which leads to calm, realistic responses. Here, find some healthy ways to unwind that will also have you feeling better as a whole.
1. Brew a cup of black tea.
If sipping a hot beverage is something you associate with relaxation, brewing the tea yourself by putting a kettle on and waiting for water to boil may also decrease stress, according to some research. Other studies have discovered that drinking black tea can help lower the levels of the stress hormone cortisol in the body.[2]
2. Indulge your funny bone.
If you’re having a stressful day at work, watch a video that’ll make you smile during your break or, read a joke or funny cartoon. Researchers say that laughter is a great form of stress relief that enhances your intake of oxygen immediately, as well as stimulating circulation in the body and helping your muscles relax. So go ahead and give yourself permission to giggle for a few minutes—you’ll feel better and do your body good![3]
3. Practice yoga regularly.
Yoga can help reduce stress and anxiety, as well as improve your mobility, flexibility and balance, according to some studies. It may also help relieve and/or alleviate chronic conditions, including depression, pain, anxiety and insomnia. If you’re new to the practice, try a beginner’s DVD or visit a studio in your neighborhood and give it a few sessions to start reaping the post-practice relaxation benefits.[4]
4. Steal a kiss from your partner.
Kissing, cuddling, and even lovemaking with your special someone can cause your brain to release feel-good chemicals like serotonin, dopamine, and oxytocin. If you don’t have someone to smooch, hug any loved one for at least 10 seconds so your body can release the stress-reducing hormone oxytocin and cause the stress hormone levels to drop.[5]
5. Eat a “healthy” happy meal.
Include low-fat turkey as part of your next meal or snack to boost your mood. Turkey is rich in L-tryptophan, an amino acid that triggers the release of that relaxing brain chemical, serotonin. Have rolled-up deli turkey slices as part of your snack with fruit or veggies, or, use lean ground turkey as the base for tonight’s healthy dinner.[6]
Written by: Diana Kelly
[Tweet “5 ways to RELAX that are actually good for your health! #fitfluential #bloghealthy”]
[6] http://ajcn.nutrition.org/content/77/1/128.full
http://www.shape.com/lifestyle/sex-and-love/8-best-foods-eat-date/slide/4
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Have a great and hopefully relaxing weekend, friends! I will be hanging with my ladies at the Blend Retreat! (If you have no idea what Blend is, read some of my recaps from 2012, 2013 and 2014!)
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A great way to relax!
Hmm…part of my comment disappeared. In front was INSERT FUNNY YOUTUBE VIDEO
I’m proud of myself for not only doing everything on your list (except the turkey) but also realizing how important it is to not go go go 24/7.
Have a great time at Blend!
Yes, I need to remind myself to take little breaks like this!!
Spending time outdoors is one of my favorite ways to relax… Taking in some sun on a warm summer day! Watching a funny YouTube video definitely helps to unwind! Great relaxation ideas!
Yes, sun helps so much with feeling happy and relaxed. I love going on walks outside! 🙂
Love these tips! Yoga has been a lifesaver for me, lately 🙂
Yes, I need to get back into yoga! I did some this weekend and was reminded how awesome it is (and how out of shape for yoga I am!). 🙂
Great post! I love the yoga part…i need more yoga in my life. ARG! So tricky to fir it in, but I MUST. MUST!!!! lol. I hope more people can learn how to relax without food. I think these options are SOOO much better…but a healthy ‘happy meal’ of a gargantuan beautiful salad sounds lovely! lol
Ugh I am the same way! I got on a kick for a couple of months, but need to get back into it!
Oh, and forgot to say, enjoy your retreat! PS…what blog sponsorship are you going through? I would really appreciate it, if that’s okay. : ) You can respond to the comment or email me. jessicajoydurfee@live.com
Sending you an e-mail! 🙂
I love your points here…all good ones from someone else who has trouble relaxing. Thanks for sharing with the Thursday Blog hop!
haha glad I’m not the only one, Pam!!
Great tips, Amanda! Thank you for sharing. 😀
You are so welcome, I hope they help!!
Simple yet effective advice! I haven’t thought some simple gestures and ways can easily relax us. This is a great post. Thanks for sharing! Add one more in the list—read blog post like this one, and you[ll be relaxed like you never had anything you got worried for. 🙂
haha I’m so happy you enjoyed this! It really doesn’t have to be complicated, right? 🙂