The summer season is often busy and hectic. Vacations, weddings, cookouts, sports games…it can sometimes feel like you’re constantly on the go. Taking the time to slow down and relax will help to prevent you from getting overly stressed, tired, and rundown.

In support of National Relaxation Day on Tuesday August 15, here are five natural ways you can relax.

1. Take a walk outside

This is one of the best ways to naturally increase your vitamin D levels. Vitamin D can decrease symptoms of anxiety, which exercise does as well. Exercise releases endorphins which can boost your mood.

2. Yoga, Tai Chi or meditation

Join a class at a local studio or gym and practice these relaxation techniques. By learning these types of relaxation skills you can help calm any tension that has built up in your mind or body.

3. Keep an eye on your diet

Things like caffeine, alcohol and added sugars can potentially increase anxiety. Processed or fried foods can bother your gut, causing you to feel uncomfortable or unhappy. Try to limit your caffeine and alcohol intake. You can also try eating superfoods like blueberries, oranges, avocados and spinach, which all have nutrients that can help relieve stress.

4. Laugh a little

Laughing is the best medicine. Laughing also releases endorphins, which can help to soothe tension in your body as well as cool down your stress response. Go to a comedy show with your friends, listen to a stand-up podcast or unwind with a funny movie.

5. Do something that makes you feel good

Finding pleasure in the simple things is a great way to relax.

  • Read your favorite book or listen to your favorite music
  • Declutter a room in your house
  • Volunteer at a local 5k or soup kitchen
  • Pet a puppy (or other friendly animal)
  • Take a 20 minute nap
  • Take a bubble bath

If you feel stressed or run down, take a few moments out of your busy schedule to incorporate some of these relaxation tips and feel your stress melt away!

In good health,
Becky

Sources:

  1. https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/the-breakthrough-depression-solution/201111/psychological-consequences-vitamin-d-deficiency
  2. Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior. Superfoods: The Healthiest Foods on the Planet. https://www.jneb.org/article/S1499-4046(11)00102-3/abstract. 2010.