Relaxation

By: Ryan Bush

Finding balance in our fast moving society is hard. Humans long for instant gratification. Over exposure to social media platforms further enforce our need for this. We find ourselves searching for short cuts, looking for ways to squeeze more hours out of every day. In our society, busy is a badge of honor. It is a hard pace to keep and in the end can ultimately lead to severe burn out.

2020 afforded some us the opportunity to slow down for the first time ever. It put us in our homes, restricted our activities and interactions and forced us all to pump the brakes. It was year of introspection. While it had its own challenges it was great in many ways and allowed most of us a desperately needed slow down.

Since 2021 emerged and with the evolution of Covid life has moved in fast forward. So many trips to take, so many folks to catch up with, so many events to attend. We have catapulted into a busy season like never before.

With only four short months remaining in the year, it’s time for a slowdown. So how do you do it? How do you manage your emotions and set a tone in your home to promote balance? It’s time to relax, even the calendar says so! August 15 is National Relaxation Day. Put it on your calendar, make a plan, and be intentional in your commitment to relax.

While relaxation looks different for everyone, I have a few suggestions for things you can try. First, commit to some time at your local YMCA in a fitness class. There are all different types of classes offered. Yoga, Barre, Dance Fitness, Weight lifting, Cardio HIIT are some of my favorites. Check your local Y’s app and pick one! Taking a fitness class gets your blood pumping and raises your endorphins. Happy endorphins promote relaxation. Its great for your mind and body to focus on your health and wellness for an hour a couple of times a week.

Next, get outdoors! We are fortunate to live in an area where public parks are plentiful. Pack a basket of your favorite foods, grab your favorite novel, invite a friend and sit for a picnic. You could also slap on your hiking shoes and hit the trails, do a scavenger hunt, swim in waterfalls or bird watch. Fresh air is good for the soul. It’s never a bad idea to ground yourself with sometime in the great outdoors.

Finally, embrace your hobbies. All too frequently we put ourselves last in the race to do more, see more and be more for others. Schedule time with yourself to pursue your passions. Relaxation comes when your heart and mind are at rest. Devote time to what fuels you and fuels your spirit. Make it a point to make time for yourself.

Remember that you cant pour from an empty cup. Relaxation ignites your mind and spirit and replenishes all that the stressors of life drains. Prioritize relaxation and devote yourself to the personal growth that comes with it. Its time as we wind down the year at a rapid pace to settle for a slowdown.