Relaxation is the release of tension and stress from the mind and body, a diversion or distraction the body needs to lessen pressure and stress. Relaxation is not a luxury, but a necessity for a balanced professional and personal life.
In our country, Nigeria, the nation is known for its hustling and bustling, especially in cities and towns. Bustling cities filled with different energies and people with an endless pursuit of success. But these come at the cost of health and well-being.
In today’s fast-paced world and culture, we Nigerians, like people everywhere, live with constant pressure to achieve, thrive, and feed, leaving us feeling stressed, drained, frustrated, and depleted. In the presence of the hustle, our Naija people know how to de-stress, unwind, and recharge without compromising any goals, but only a few know this. You always see them giving their best every week and looking fresh.
Secret to De-Stressing and Relaxation
The key to relaxation is finding activities that truly bring you peace and enjoyment and, at the same time, ease your mind and body.
1. Deep Breathes
Take a deep breath when everything feels so overwhelming. Hug yourself while taking deep breaths for 5 minutes. This helps the tension leave the body, and there are different techniques for deep breathing.
2. Massage
A relaxation massage is a soft and smooth therapy that reduces muscle tension, improves blood circulation, and promotes overall relaxation of the body. One can get a massage at a massage parlour or at home.
For massage at home, after the day’s work, take a warm bath. Then ask your sibling, partner, or friend to massage using one of the essential oils, like lavender oil.
3. Meditation
It restores the body to a restful state, assisting it to heal itself and preventing further harm from the physical impacts of stress.
Begin by taking five deep breaths in through your nose and out through your mouth. As you breathe in, visualise taking in clean air; as you exhale, picture releasing any stress in your body or mind. Close your eyes gently on your final exhalation.
4. Music therapy
Music therapy refers to the use of music to preserve and boost people’s overall well-being. It is a therapeutic connection that encourages people’s psychological, physical, emotional, and social well-being. Music has been considered a non-medical means of therapy for mental and physical problems.
Music is referred to as therapy because it significantly reduces activity disruptions, aggression, and anxiety in patients. Enjoy some relaxing music or the sounds of nature. A lot of music apps and internet sources provide natural soundscapes like waterfalls, soft drizzles, white noises, or lapping waves, all of which have been shown to enhance relaxation.
5. Aromatherapy
Aromatherapy involves the use of essential oils, which are derived from plants. It’s flower, herb, and tree parts, like bark, roots, peels, and petals. They can be used either in water from baths, as massage oils, or inhaled through diffusers. Examples of oil used are; lavender, tea tree, sweet orange, frankincense, peppermint, and eucalyptus.
6. Hydrotherapy
This is the use of water at any temperature or form to heal, relieve pain, and relax the muscles. Examples are swimming, wet saunas, warm-water baths, and immersion therapy.
7. ASMR
It is an autonomous sensory-meridian response. It is the state of deep relaxation and pleasurable tingling in the scalp and neck that some people experience in reaction to soft sounds, such as whispering, or soft sounds paired with gentle motions and one-on-one attention. It could be auditory, visual, or tactile; they are found online.
In summary, the key to de-stressing is to make relaxation a regular part of your life and keep in mind that relaxation is not a sign of weakness; rather, it’s a show of strength. A well-rested and relaxed mind and body are essential for achieving your goals and living a successful life. Embrace the art of relaxation.
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