5 ways to relax
Posted 20 July 11Take, well, take 5 and read through this article we’ve found…maybe while having a cuppa with your fav tunes in the background!
Feel better. Good.
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HERE’S some advice to help you unwind over the weekend.
Dr. Bruce McEwen, author of The End of Stress As We Know It, says the wisdom of the ages is now being proved by the latest science, and that de-stressing can be much simpler than we think.
He shows that exercise, a healthy diet, regular sleep, moderate alcohol intake and no smoking are all the keys to basic, long-term physical relaxation. But if you’re looking for an extra short-term boost to your physical wellbeing, here are ways
to unwind.
1 Have a cuppa
Those Brits know a thing or two: researchers at King’s College in London have found tea a more efficient hydrator than water. The caffeine content of coffee or the sugar in soft drinks won’t help your stress, but a nice cup of tea might. “Ensure that you’re adequately hydrated,” says Anne McMahon at the University of Wollongong’s School of Health Sciences. “Plenty of evidence suggests dehydration impacts mental and physical performance and can lead to stress.”
2 Feel the music
Music has been used in hospitals to combat depression and induce sleep in those suffering chronic insomnia. The Royal Melbourne Hospital uses music therapy to promote relaxation and reduce stress, even in palliative cancer patients. “Music offers opportunities for increased expression, positive experiences and an increased sense of meaning,” says the hospital’s Senior Clinician Emma O’Brien. Take time to listen to some of your favourite music, and your body will thank
you for it.
3 Have some scents
Aromatherapy has a physical effect on our wellbeing and can actively change our mood. Burn a candle or fragrant oil, or use herbs to perfume your pillow. “The sense of smell is poorly understood, but we do know that it is linked to the oldest, most primitive part of our brain and seems to have a direct link to our emotions,” says the Victorian Department of Health. Lavender is the most soothing aroma, but chamomile, ylang-ylang, bergamot and sandalwood also have relaxing properties.
4 Play golf
A study of 300,000 regular Swedish golfers shows they have a 40 per cent lower mortality rate than similar non-golfers. Of course, that is likely because of the exercise regular golfers get, so don’t despair if you’re no good with the nine-iron. “Just keep active on the weekends,” says Simone Comtesse from Mentally Healthy WA at Curtin University. “Take a walk, ride a bike, dance a little, dig the garden and it will do you the world of good.”
5 Join a club
“Mentally healthy people tend to surround themselves with other people and are involved in lots of different activities, even on the weekends,” says Simone Comtesse. “Being socially active and having good friends and people to talk to are the fundamental factors for good mental wellbeing.” Go along to a community event, take an art class or join a book club: it can be the perfect weekend de-stressor.
Article source: www.bodyandsoul.com.au/soul+happiness/wellbeing/five+ways+to+relax,12697
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