How could relaxation help me?

Exploring relaxation can help you look after yourself when you’re feeling stressed or worried

CREDIT: This is an edited version of an article that originally appeared on Mind

Relaxation might not make what you are stressed or worried about go away, but it can give you a mental break from these feelings and help you refocus.

There are lots of relaxation exercises out there; many can be done in a short time with no equipment. Have a look at the tips and ideas below to see how relaxation can fit into your daily life.

Take a break

Relaxation doesn’t have to take up lots of your time; just stepping away from something stressful for a few minutes, or taking time away from your normal routines and thoughts, can give you enough space and distance to feel calmer.

• Read a book or a magazine, even if it’s only for a few minutes.
• Run yourself a bath, watch a film, play with a pet or try out a new recipe.

Try active relaxation

Relaxation doesn’t have to mean sitting still – gentle exercise can help you relax too.

• Take a walk, going at your own pace. You might choose to go for a longer walk, but even a few minutes of walking can help you feel more relaxed.
• Look for a class you’d like to try, such as yoga, Pilates or gentle stretching.
• Try some seated exercises which you may be able to fit into your day more easily if you are busy – they may also help if you have mobility restrictions that make other exercise difficult. The NHS has a selection of sitting exercises you could try.
• See these pages on physical activity and mental health for more tips.

Focus on your breathing

Learning to breathe more deeply can help you feel a lot calmer; it takes just a few minutes and can be done anywhere.

• Breathe in through your nose and out through your mouth. Try to keep your shoulders down and relaxed, and place your hand on your stomach – it should rise as you breathe in and fall as you breathe out.
• Count as you breathe. Start by counting ‘one, two, three, four’ as you breathe in and ‘one, two, three, four’ as you breathe out. Try to work out what’s comfortable for you. You can find more details about this exercise on the NHS website.

Get creative

Getting in touch with your artistic side can help you feel more calm and relaxed.

• Try painting, drawing, making crafts, playing a musical instrument, dancing, baking or sewing.
• Try not to worry too much about the finished product – just focus on enjoying yourself!
• See this page on relaxation exercises for more ideas on how to use creative activities to relax.

Spend time in nature

Spending time outside, and in green spaces, can be great for your physical and mental health.

• Take a walk in a green space if you can, taking time to notice any trees, flowers, plants and animals you see on the way. See this page on relaxation exercises for a guided mindful moment in nature.
• Spend some time taking part in conservation, whether that’s digging in your own garden or taking part in a local green project. You can find projects and outdoor activities to suit whatever level of mobility you have. See these pages on nature and mental health for more information about how to find projects in your area. If you live in an area where it is difficult to access nature and green spaces, this page on overcoming barriers may help.

Picture yourself somewhere serene

Even if you can’t physically get away, your imagination can transport you to somewhere you feel calm.

• Think of somewhere relaxing and peaceful. You might choose a memory of somewhere you’ve been, or a place you have imagined.
• Close your eyes and think about the details of this place. What does it look like? What kind of colours and shapes can you see? Can you hear any sounds? Is it warm or cool? Let your mind drift and your body relax.

Listen to music

Music can relax you, connect you to your emotions, and distract you from worrying thoughts.

• Listen to your favourite songs. You could dance or sing along, or just close your eyes and enjoy.
• Really listen to the music. Can you pick out different instruments? Can you hear a drum beat or a certain rhythm? Focus on the music, and let other thoughts fade away.

Do a tech check

Technology can be great for helping you feel connected but, if you’re using it a lot, it can contribute to making you feel busy and stressed. Taking a break can help you relax, even if it is only short.

• Try turning your ‘phone off for an hour, if you can.
• Step away from the TV, or have an evening where you don’t check emails or social networks. Use the time to do something relaxing – you could try some of the ideas above.

Further support

Making space in your life for relaxation is only one part of managing your mental health. Mind has pages on coping with stress and anxiety which have more suggestions for ways to help yourself. They also have tips to help if you experience panic attacks and dissociation and their page of useful contacts for relaxation lists some other organisations who can help.

If you’re finding things very hard right now, and the tips on this page don’t feel possible, it is ok to ask for help. See these pages on seeking help for a mental health problem for guidance on talking to your doctor about options for support and treatment.

For more support and suggestions, if you’re:

• a student, see these pages on coping with student life;
• in work, see these pages on workplace mental health;
• a parent, see these pages on parenting with a mental health problem;
• a carer, see these pages on how to cope when supporting someone else.