Simple Sunday

Week 5

RELAXATION

Welcome back to Simple Sunday! We’ve reached the end of another week and today, it’s time to relax.

Psychologically speaking, ‘relaxation’ is the opposite to the famous ‘fight or flight’ response. Therefore, it reverses the muscle tension and heightened heart rate that we experience when we are stressed.

So this Sunday, have a go at a few relaxation techniques.

“Relaxation is the doorway to both wisdom and compassion.” – Tara Brach

1.

A 30 minute bath has been shown to greatly improve mental wellbeing and increase the production of serotonin which helps us to sleep better. So today, if you’re able to, why not try it? Take half an hour out of your evening to get into the tub – with as many bath bombs and candles as you like – and relax in the water and enjoy!
And if you want to add in a little mindfulness, turn your attention to the sensations you feel in your body, the water on your skin, how your body feels against the bottom of the bath. Stay in the present moment.
30 minutes+

2.

Here’s a short video from Mind with some great techniques to help you relax.
5 minutes

3.

Listening to podcasts is another great way to relax, and many are dedicated to helping you do just that. This article has a list of relaxation podcasts for you to explore!
As long as you like!