10 Tips for Relaxation

Life comes at you quickly. One day runs into another and routine becomes the new comfort zone. The danger is in the lack of balance and your days are lived in reaction, instead of creation. Success is about intent and that definition varies between each of us. By injecting some "me time" into your day you are being mindful of your mental and physical health.

Here are ten tips to help lessen the daily stress, change your state of being, and create tranquility into your day.

1. Take a walk... Go outside, being in commune with the natural beauty of our world helps to cut out the noise, eliminate distractions, and bring your soul in closer harmony with the progression of life. It is a great space for self reflection, as well as being a healthy way to increase physical and mental health. Regular walks can promote weight loss and cardiovascular capacity.

2. Read...By reading you are tuning out distractions and placing your focus on the enrichment and expansion of your soul. Reading also expands the mind and increases memory retention. With the advent of the internet, reading is as simple as pulling out your phone.

3. Meditation...By meditating you are quieting the mind. There is no intellectual thought but you are grounding your spirit, promoting connection to your authentic self and allowing yourself to just be. Making time to center yourself and just be will promote connections to higher parts of yourself that normally go unnoticed and untapped. A connection with your higher self is made and renew the spirit within.

4. Take a bath, go swimming or soak in a hot tub...The introduction of water in combination with a positive mental state can aid in shedding the internal stresses while renewing your spirit, body, and mind.

5. Take a short power nap...A twenty minute nap may be just the remedy during those moments where you feel drained and unfocused. You can not pour from an empty cup.

6. Get a massage...So long as the time is spent living fully in the present moment. Do not spend the entire time in stress thinking about the office or the next item on your "to do list."

7. Watch a funny movie or t.v. show...Getting comfortable and cozy while having a proper belly laugh may be just what the doctor ordered. Laughter really is the best medicine.

8. Start or enhance a hobby or passion...Going fishing, crafting with friends or family, playing board games, taking a bicycle ride or any other activity will help in relaxing and maintaining a positive state of being.

9. Play your favorite piece of music... The importance in relaxation is having the intent and ability to change your state of being. That is exactly what music is designed to do. Taking us to memories of the past or bringing us to a euphoric state of joy and relaxation.

10. Spend quality time with your pet...If your home includes fury family members take time out to connect with them. Maybe incorporate step one and double the effect at the same time.

There are many ways to relax and these are just a few. By bringing these practices into your daily life you are strengthening your mental health, reducing stress, opening new pathways to inner peace, and showing yourself love and appreciation for who you are and the journey you are on. Creating balance can sometimes be a difficult endeavor to keep as a constant in your daily routine because of all the distractions that drain our energy and increase our resistance. With time and investment in self you will allow your soul to expand and develop ways to cope and counter the fast pace life we live. There is much we can learn by taking time to stop, smell the roses , and enjoy the fragrance of the life we are constantly creating. Safe travels.