This article was co-authored by Leah Morris and by wikiHow staff writer, Hannah Madden. Leah Morris is a Life and Relationship Transition coach and the owner of Life Remade, a holistic personal coaching service. With over three years as a professional coach, she specializes in guiding people as they move through both short-term and long-term life transitions. Leah holds a BA in Organizational Communication from California State University, Chico and is a certified Transformational Life Coach through the Southwest Institute for Healing Arts.
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Feeling stressed out is totally normal, but being stressed all the time isn’t great for your health. Knowing how to relax is vital for ensuring your well-being, and it can restore the passion and joy in your life. If you aren’t sure how exactly you can relax, read through this list of helpful tips to get you started on the right track.
Steps
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QuestionWhat is the best way to relax?Adam Dorsay, PsyDDr. Adam Dorsay is a licensed psychologist in private practice in San Jose, CA, and the co-creator of Project Reciprocity, an international program at Facebook's Headquarters, and a consultant with Digital Ocean’s Safety Team. He specializes in assisting high-achieving adults with relationship issues, stress reduction, anxiety, and attaining more happiness in their lives. In 2016 he gave a well-watched TEDx talk about men and emotions. Dr. Dorsay has a M.A. in Counseling from Santa Clara University and received his doctorate in Clinical Psychology in 2008.
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QuestionHow can I stop panicking at night?Sydney AxelrodSydney Axelrod is a certified life coach and the owner of Sydney Axelrod LLC, a life coaching business focused on professional and personal development. Through one-on-one coaching, digital courses, and group workshops, Sydney works with clients to discover their purpose, navigate life transitions, and set and accomplish goals. Sydney has over 1,000 hours of relevant coaching certifications and holds a BBA in Marketing and Finance from Emory University.
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QuestionTypical "relaxing" activities aren't actually relaxing for me. Is there something wrong with me?Leah MorrisLeah Morris is a Life and Relationship Transition coach and the owner of Life Remade, a holistic personal coaching service. With over three years as a professional coach, she specializes in guiding people as they move through both short-term and long-term life transitions. Leah holds a BA in Organizational Communication from California State University, Chico and is a certified Transformational Life Coach through the Southwest Institute for Healing Arts.
Life CoachRelaxing is different for everyone. Part of it is related to whether you're an introvert or an extrovert. Introverts are going to be more focused on having that alone time to be with themselves as a way to refuel and re-energize. Extroverts re-energize with people. They find more energy and fuel in interacting and doing social things and talking through things. You really just want to focus on how your body is feeling.
References
- ↑ https://www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/healthy-lifestyle/stress-management/10-ways-to-relax-in-nature-and-stress-less
- ↑ Leah Morris. Life Coach. Expert Interview. 19 June 2020.
- ↑ Lucy Yeh. Life Coach. Expert Interview. 21 November 2019.
- ↑ https://www.helpguide.org/articles/mental-health/mood-boosting-power-of-dogs.htm
- ↑ https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/tips-for-everyday-living/relaxation/relaxation-tips/
- ↑ Lucy Yeh. Life Coach. Expert Interview. 21 November 2019.
- ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/8133-stress-10-ways-to-ease-stress
- ↑ https://www.apa.org/topics/healthy-workplaces/work-stress
- ↑ https://www.uofmhealth.org/health-library/uz2209
- ↑ https://health.clevelandclinic.org/essential-oils-101-do-they-work-how-do-you-use-them/
- ↑ https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/tips-for-everyday-living/relaxation/relaxation-tips/
- ↑ https://www.helpguide.org/articles/stress/relaxation-techniques-for-stress-relief.htm
- ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/stress-management/in-depth/relaxation-technique/art-20045368
- ↑ https://www.helpguide.org/articles/stress/relaxation-techniques-for-stress-relief.htm
- ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/biofeedback/about/pac-20384664
- ↑ https://www.helpguide.org/articles/stress/relaxation-techniques-for-stress-relief.htm
About This Article
If you need to relax in the moment, start by inhaling for 5 seconds, holding your breath for 5 seconds, and then exhaling for 5 seconds. Repeat this practice for a whole minute, since focusing on your breathing will often help you feel more calm. However, if breathing isn't working, try lying down in a quiet, dark place and closing your eyes. Then, listen to your favorite music or put on some light background music. Take this time to think about something other that what's stressing you out, since getting some space from the problem is often the best way to relax. If none of this is helping, try going for a walk outside without bringing any technology, since your phone or computer can be stressing you out even if you don't realize it! If you want to know more ways to feel relaxed, such as how to practice meditation or avoid getting stressed, keep reading!
Medical Disclaimer
The content of this article is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, examination, diagnosis, or treatment. You should always contact your doctor or other qualified healthcare professional before starting, changing, or stopping any kind of health treatment.
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