It’s finally the weekend, and thank goodness! You need a mental break from the stresses of the daily grind. It’s time to put yourself first, and take part in activities to reduce your anxiety. If your home doesn’t feel like a respite from the hustle and bustle of the world, it may be time to make a change. [bctt tweet=”Your home environment should offer the kind of lifestyle that fits your needs and wants.” via=”no”]
Ways to Relax & Unwind
Take a deep breath and hold it for a moment, then exhale. Breathing exercises are a fast and easy way to relax. You can also practice mindful meditation, listen to soothing music, or take a warm bath. Here are a few different ways to relax your mind and body:
Unplug
When was the last time you went a day without checking your phone at least once?Between texts, emails, phone calls, and social media notifications, just keeping up can feel like a full-time job. Most people check their phone first thing in the morning and it’s the last thing they see before they go to bed. The expectation that everyone should be available all the time has made unplugging difficult, but by scheduling a break, you can finally take a breather. Unplugging offers a welcome respite from the constant flow of communication and data you process every day.
Go Outside
Spending time in nature has been shown to significantly lower depression, reduce perceived stress and enhance overall feelings of well-being. Spending time outside can also help you sleep better, and boosts your Vitamin D levels. Just 20 minutes a day can have a significant impact on your concentration and mood, meaning that when you get back to work, chances are you’ll be better focused.
Take a Swim
Like other exercises, swimming boosts your endorphins to increase feelings of wellbeing. The rhythmic strokes and sound of water make swimming much more relaxing than other exercises. Swimming has been shown to produce the same relaxation response as yoga, and the stretching and contracting of your muscles can heighten this experience. Just a short evening swim in a lakeside pool produces undeniable results.
Aromatherapy
Imagine laying on a lounge hair on a patio overlooking the water. A breeze stirs and you inhale the soft aroma of lavender. Aromatherapy has been used for relaxation for hundreds of years. Using aromatherapy essential oils to relax is a very easy and very soothing experience. Used in combination with a short rest or meditation, you’ll feel renewed and invigorated.
Get a Massage
Sitting in traffic or dealing with stressful situations can actually cause an unhealthy buildup of hormones. Pent-up levels of the stress hormone cortisol can lead to sleeplessness, headaches and digestive problems.Massage therapy has been shown to decrease cortisol in the body, allowing the body to enter a relaxing recovery mode. The effects of a massage linger long after it’s over. A massage can trigger a host of brain chemistry responses that can result in lasting feelings of relaxation, lowered stress and better mood.
A Welcome Respite
How do you feel when you’re home? Happy? Calm? Overwhelmed by everything you need to get done? In today’s world stress is always present, but your home shouldn’t contribute to it. Almost nowhere should offer more respite than your home. A setting that offers convenience, access to the outdoors and ample amenities will further enhance feelings of contentment.
Contact Us for more information about how lakeside living can provide a peaceful sanctuary for you and your family.