The team at CURA is excited to take it easy today in celebration of National Relaxation Day! The holiday, celebrated every year on August 15, was proposed by nine-year-old Sean Moeller of Clio, MI in 1985 as a reminder for everyone to stop and smell the roses once in a while.
In the spirit of National Relaxation Day, CURA is sharing five ways you can relax this weekend and melt away the stress of a busy or stressful week.
Make time for family and loved ones
Especially in these socially distant times, maintaining connection with the people you care about is crucial to relaxing and keeping stress at bay. It’s important to set time aside from work to spend quality time with your family and friends both far and near, whether it’s a distanced, outdoor picnic with an old friend or a family reunion over video. Connecting with others keeps us grounded and helps ease our racing minds from the stress that work or life demands.
Cuddle with a pet
If four-legged pals are more your speed, some quality time with pets may help you relax after a stressful day. For dog-owners, a walk around the neighborhood or a trip to the park can help both human and canine release some energy while getting fresh air. If you’re not a pet owner but would like to reap the benefits of animal interaction, consider fostering! Studies have shown that spending time with animals can reduce stress and boost your mood.
Meditate
Many people try meditation and find that it’s a wonderful tool for relaxation. Many others consider trying it—or try it a few times—and decide it’s not for them. If you’re in the second group, meditation might be worth a second look. It’s excellent for relaxation and, if practiced long-term, brings greater resilience toward stress. Check our this video from our friends at Psych Hub to learn about the calming effects of guided meditation in times of stress.
Exercise
It may seem that exercise is the opposite of relaxation, but a good workout—especially outdoors—can actually make you feel at ease afterward. Exercise is a great outlet for blowing off steam, turning pent up energy into mood-boosting endorphins. Whether it’s a short, high-impact sprint or a long hike on a nature trail, exercise will surely help shake off some of the stress you may be feeling.
Have Fun!
There’s no one right way to unwind, since everyone relaxes in their own unique way. Think about the little things you like to do—whether it’s baking, painting or riding your motorcycle—and block time in your schedule for these activities. Doing things that you enjoy can help get your mind off of things and contribute to relaxation.
On this National Relaxation Day, we encourage you to do what calms you. We can all use a little relaxation right now.
