Like many cities, Lakeland, FL, is a busy place that can be stressful. Enduring stress for too long can zap you of all your motivation and strength. When that occurs, you need to relax and energize. Relaxation can be passive or active. One active form of relaxation is walking, especially near greenery or by water, as you absorb the surroundings. It could be dancing, which allows your brain to focus on enjoying the movement. Passive relaxation is sedentary. It could be resting, watching TV, or something more lasting, such as using breathing techniques and meditation where you relax both the body and the mind.
Exhaustion can be due to mental stress or physical exhaustion.
Stress triggers the fight-or-flight response. It's a flood of biochemicals that alter your body's functions to prepare you to run or fight. That gives you an initial energy boost but will exhaust you if you don't follow through. You're always in a state of readiness, burning energy continuously. You may try to push yourself through the exhaustion only to find it affects you more. You need an activity that clears your mind to avoid the continuous cycle.
Mental techniques relieve stress and rejuvenate the body.
Taking 15 minutes or less to clear your mind, breathe deeply, and meditate can help the mind and the body. Using calming deep-breathing techniques gives both the body and mind a rest. Meditation is another technique that offers rest. Power naps are also rejuvenating for both the body and mind. Power naps are not the same as lying down where your mind keeps reviewing the day. It's a learned technique where your brain turns off the troubles and allows you to fall asleep immediately. You wake up refreshed and ready for action.
Active relaxation diverts the mind and increases circulation.
Doing something you enjoy takes your mind off the cause of the stress boosts your energy. It puts you in a better mood, reduces stress hormones, and increases circulation to bring mental and physical energy. Dancing, painting, and doing activities that divert your attention, like word puzzles, change the brain's focus and break the endless cycle that frees the brain. They are most effective when you're immersed in the activity.
- Another relaxation technique that can revive your energy level is a full-body massage. It relaxes the entire body while stimulating circulation and boosting energy.
- Relaxation techniques that shift your mental focus or relax the mind reduce stress by changing negative thoughts to positive ones.
- If you're short on time and can get up and move about, deep breathing exercises are one of the best routes to take to revitalize the body. It increases circulation while diverting your mind to your pattern of breathing.
- It's beneficial to laugh and smile. When you're under pressure, find an isolated place and laugh. It will feel fake initially because it is. The longer you laugh, the more you'll feel like laughing, and the more real it will become.
For more information, contact us today at Habitat Health & Fitness
