As a bustling mother of two, Harlow and Lennox, I am no stranger to the chaos and clamour that is a daily part of our lives. From early morning dog walks with Benny our Golden Retriever to afternoon playdates and the ceaseless chatter of Louie, the family parrot, the word 'relaxation' sometimes seems like a foreign concept. But my friends, let's not allow our lives to be continually swamped by this ceaseless surge of activity. We deserve, nay, we NEED relaxation. When properly utilised, relaxation strategies can refuel our bodies and minds, bringing a supercharge to our lives. So let's dive right into understanding why 'relaxation' needs to be marked as an essential on our everyday to-do list.
Shallow breathing is an unconscious reaction to stress and anxiety, but did you know that this form of breathing can sometimes exacerbate feelings of anxiety? On the flip side, deep, diaphragmatic or 'belly' breathing can be a potent relaxation tool. It seems so simple, right? But let me tell you, mastering this can do wonders for your mental and physical health! This form of breathing taps into your body's natural relaxation response, slows your heart rate, lowers blood pressure and sharpens your focus. So whether it's in the midst of Harlow's tantrum or during a strenuous game of fetch with Benny, taking a small interval to practice deep breathing can upturn the day for you!
Oh, the absolute delight of Progressive Muscle Relaxation (PMR)! PMR is about tensing and then releasing each muscle group. You'd think a technique involving tensing muscles would be stressful, not relaxing, right? But here's the twist. PMR works by helping you develop a heightened awareness of physical sensations. Plus, the post-release relaxation in the muscles creates an overall sense of tranquility. Once, when Louie escaped from his cage and was creating absolute mayhem in the lounge, I took a minute, practiced PMR, and you won't believe it, but I found the energy and the sanity to deal with the parrot chaos that had ensued!
Mindfulness, my friends, is not just a buzzword thrown around by spiritual gurus! It’s something tangible, achievable and guess what, life-changing! Conscious and attentive engagement in the moment, while acknowledging and accepting one's feelings, thoughts and sensations – that's mindfulness in essence. Research shows, incorporating mindfulness in our daily life fosters relaxation, reduces stress, even leading to improved mental health. Imagine this, amidst the morning school-rush, just taking a minute to feel the warmth of the coffee mug in your hands, the aroma wafting from it, sipping it slowly, being aware of the flavour. In that minute, you are not just drinking your coffee, but you are living it! That's mindfulness, and trust me - it's an energy booster unlike any!
Imagine being on a sandy beach, the salt-laden breeze whispering past your ears, the sun’s caress on your skin and the rhythmic music of waves washing over the shore. Sounds like heaven, doesn’t it? This is the magic of guided imagery - it uses your imagination to take you away from the stress and transport you to a place of peace and calm. Whenever the relentless buzzing of daily life begins to overwhelm me, I create my little haven of peace – it's usually a quiet spot by the Swan River, Benny at my side, with Louie’s squawking replaced by the sweet chirping of Magpies. I can't tell you enough about how restorative this technique is.
There's a reason why Yoga and Meditation have persevered as time-tested relaxation techniques. Yoga, with its symphony of stretches, poses and breathing techniques, does wonders for our mental and physical well-being. Concurrently, meditation provides an avenue to silence the mind, focusing on one's breath, an image or a calming word or phrase. It's a powerful tool that helps alleviate stress, boost mood and cultivate a sense of inner peace. Once a week, when the kids are at school and Louie and Benny are playing tag (a sight to behold, really), I roll out my yoga mat and grant myself the gift of a peaceful yoga and meditation session.
Last but not least, let's bask in the delightful world of aromatherapy! It's a holistic healing treatment that uses natural plant extracts, aka essential oils, to promote health and well-being. Aromatherapy works through the sense of smell and skin absorption. Whether it's lavendar for relaxation, citrus to uplift your mood or peppermint for a burst of freshness- the diversity is astonishing! One might think, how will taking in a whiff of lemongrass oil make a difference? Well, once when Lennox was down with a terrible flu, the aroma of eucalyptus oil not only calmed my anxious mom-heart but also acted as a natural decongestant for Lennox. Aromatherapy, folks, is undervalued and definitely warrants a try!
We might not be able to escape the whirlwind that is life, but friends, armed with these relaxation techniques, I assure you, we can sail through it with utmost vigour and vitality! So, let's supercharge our lives, shall we?
Written by Madeline Sterling
View all posts by: Madeline Sterling