How To Rest Effectively: 11 Practical Ideas For Chilling Out

If you’re looking for some strategies on how to rest effectively, then you’ll love this article.

Everyone needs time to relax, no matter how busy their schedule is. The problem is that sometimes you wake up feeling exactly as exhausted as before, even after a good night’s sleep!

If this is the case, it is possible that you are not getting enough sleep. Both your body and your mind need a number of different types of rest to relax, unwind, and recharge.

You need rest in a variety of forms to truly relax, from 5-minute meditation breaks, to mindfulness activities, to quiet retreats outdoors (or even just in the garden).

This article provides tips on how to take more time to relax during the day to calm your body, mind, and spirit.

How To Rest Effectively:

1. Remember that you are only human, no matter how much work you have to do.

For short periods of time, pausing can get you back on track. Take 5 minutes to step away from your workspace and calm your thoughts if your mind is bogged down by a homework issue or you can’t focus on a project at work. When you return to the activity at hand, you will feel refreshed and renewed because you have given your mind a moment of relaxation.

Take a 10-minute walk around the block or go outside for a few minutes of fresh air. If you can’t get outside, take a break from work and look out your window at the city skyline!

2. Meditation is a great way to relax your mind and body.

Although there are many different types of meditation, mindfulness meditation is one of the most popular. Living in the present moment is the main goal of mindfulness meditation.

You do this by focusing on your breathing and letting your thoughts flow without attachment or worry. These techniques help you relax, quiet your thoughts, and relax your body.

To begin meditation, choose a quiet place where you can sit alone. Then, with your eyes closed, concentrate on your breathing. If distracting thoughts arise, recognize them but let them go.

If you are new to meditation, start with shorter periods of time. Even 5 minutes of meditation can have a positive impact!

3. Using your senses to focus your thoughts and relax your mind is a good idea.

If your mind is distracted, try focusing on the senses of sight, smell, and touch as distractions. Experiment with different senses to find the ones that are most effective at distracting you from your thoughts.

Clear your mind by imagining a peaceful environment or looking out the window at trees swaying in the wind. You can also try smelling the flowers outside your door or lighting a scented candle. Pet your dog or cat if you have one, or wrap yourself in a warm blanket to focus on touch.

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4. Essential oils are used in aromatherapy to bring you peace, tranquility and clarity.

This method involves inhaling essential oils using a diffuser or humidifier. Smelling certain scents causes the brain to create chemicals, such as serotonin, that can help you feel better. Aromatherapy can be used to relieve tension and help you relax because of its relaxing properties.

Lemon, lavender, chamomile and cedarwood are some of the most commonly used essential oils (1).

Essential oils should be used in moderation and with caution due to the high concentration of plant material in them. To be safe, avoid direct skin contact with essential oils and stop using them if you experience an allergic reaction.

If you are unsure how to use essential oils effectively, consult a qualified herbalist or doctor before undertaking this procedure.

5. Deep breathing is a simple and effective way to relax and de-stress.

By focusing on your breathing, you can help your body calm down quickly while keeping your thoughts occupied. The best part is that you can use this strategy anywhere, whether you’re stressed after a long day at work or getting ready for bed.

Take a deep breath in through your nostrils, keeping one hand on your chest and the other on your tummy. Exhale when your belly is full of air.

Continue to inhale and exhale, noticing how your hand on your tummy rises and falls in time with your breaths. Your hand should remain steady on your chest. Continue doing this until you begin to feel the effects.

6. Yoga is a great way to relax both mind and body at the same time.

Yoga is a great exercise, but it also has many relaxation benefits.

Yoga promotes mindfulness, or paying attention to your mind and body in the present moment. If you have a lot on your mind, it can be a great way to relax and clear your thoughts.

Yoga also engages your body and lungs, making it a great way to relax. When it comes to relaxing your body and mind, some yoga poses can be extremely beneficial.

Consider taking a yoga class, working with a private teacher, or watching online yoga classes on sites like YouTube for beneficial tips.

7. Taking notes on your thoughts is a great way to relax.

If you are feeling upset or anxious for some reason, a journal can be a private outlet for you to express your thoughts. It helps to calm your mind and quiet unpleasant or stressful feelings, allowing them to become more bearable.

To get the most benefit, keep a journal regularly. Set aside a specific amount of time each day to write your journal. Consider writing each morning to properly start your day, or right before bed to relax your thoughts and prepare for a good night’s sleep.

When it comes to journal writing, you can be as creative as you want. If you don’t feel like writing down your ideas all the time, consider painting drawings or creating a playlist to express yourself.

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8. If you need to relax, listen to soothing music.

Studies have shown that music produces the neurotransmitters serotonin and oxytocin, which can improve your mood and even help you fall asleep. Create a playlist of music that calms you down or search for it online.

You can also relax and calm your thoughts by listening to environmental sounds such as ocean waves, rain and other natural sounds.

9. Social media is a great way to stay connected, but it can often be stressful.

You may compare your lifestyle, workouts, or appearance to other people you follow on social media. Perhaps you tend to have endless browsing sessions.

Whatever the case, these activities can exhaust and tire your mind! Consider taking a break or being more mindful of how often you use social media to give your mind a rest.

If you don’t want to take a complete break, carve out some time to check social media. Set a time each day to check social media and stay up to date with friends, for example. Don’t exceed 5 to 10 minutes though!

10. Getting outside can help you relax and live in the moment.

When it comes to relaxing your mind and body, a walk outside has many benefits and you don’t have to go to the woods to get them.

If you’re restless, take a five-minute break at work to get outside and breathe in some fresh air (2). Take a minute to look at the trees swaying in the air and listen to the sounds of birds and other animals singing, instead of focusing on what is making you anxious.

Perhaps you are too consumed with work to get out of the house during the day. If this is the case, putting a plant on your desk can help you enjoy nature. When you need some peace and quiet, water your plant and enjoy it.

If you have more time on the weekend, take a walk to a local park, look for a nearby hiking trail, or plan a day trip to a natural attraction.

11. Creating a good bedtime routine can help you fall asleep faster.

Try going to bed at the same time each night and doing calming activities such as drinking decaffeinated tea, listening to soothing music and dimming the lights in your room. To get the most benefit, avoid eating or drinking caffeinated beverages before bed.

As you fall asleep, these can make you feel more awake. It’s also a good idea to avoid using devices shortly before bedtime. The blue light emitted by phones, laptops and other devices reduces the production of the sleep-inducing hormone melatonin.

Consider charging your laptop and phone overnight in the living room and turning off your gadgets a few hours before bed each night.

Switch to night mode if you need to use gadgets near your bed to study or work. The light from the screen will be less intense.

Thank you for reading this article how to rest effectively and I really hope that you take action my advice.

I wish you good luck and I hope its contents have been a good help to you.

Przemkas Mosky
Przemkas Mosky started Perfect 24 Hours in 2017. He is a Personal Productivity Specialist, blogger and entrepreneur. He also works as a coach assisting people to increase their motivation, social skills or leadership abilities. Read more here