Relaxation Day – Proven Ways to Help You Relax
Do you ever spend the day just relaxing? The fact that so many of us are constantly busy inspired nine-year-old Sean Moeller to suggest the idea of National Relaxation Day – a day dedicated to not doing anything of real value – to his grandfather. Here at Noble Isle, we would argue that there is great value in taking time out to relax and restore. National Relaxation Day falls on 15 August, so why not take this as our invitation to spend some time relaxing – even just half an hour will leave you feeling more grounded and refreshed? Here are some ideas to get you started.
Vagus Nerve
The vagus nerve is the longest nerve in the body, connecting the brain with vital organs including the gut. Stimulating the vagus nerve can help to regulate both mind and body, encouraging you to feel more relaxed and grounded. Singing and humming help with the gut to brain connection – but if you don’t feel like spontaneously bursting into song, why not grab your favourite Noble Isle Bath & Shower Gel and sing or hum from the privacy of the shower? Laughter has also been shown to help stimulate the vagus nerve, so why not take the time to watch a comedy show or some standup?
Brain Release
If you know you should be relaxing but struggle to wind down and escape endless to-do lists, then try journaling or free writing. Simply take a piece of paper and write down anything and everything that comes to mind as a ‘brain dump’. If you’re not sure where to start, just set a five-minute timer and keep reminding yourself that there is no wrong or right. You could also try a free-writing technique where you write continually, without the pen leaving the paper, until the end of your timer. Forget neatness and just scribble down any thoughts or words that come into your mind. Many people are amazed by how much better it helps them feel.
Candlelit Breakfast
Elevate your everyday routines. Start your day by lighting a candle and take time to enjoy your breakfast in the flickering light. The Greenhouse is a warm botanical scent with notes of Tomato Leaf, fragrant Bergamot, Honeysuckle and Jasmine and refreshing hints of Mint and Melon. Its scent will transport you to an English Greenhouse in the height of summer or the indulgence of breakfast at a boutique hotel.
Five Minutes in Nature
In this blog we’ve shared ideas for making the most of your time in nature. Just five minutes of time outdoors is associated with lower levels of the stress hormone cortisol, better sleep, improved immunity and an increase in the happy hormone serotonin.
Find your Creative Flow
Finding a creative task that requires your full concentration but isn’t so challenging that you feel like giving up can help you access a state of flow which is associated with an improved sense of fulfilment and relaxation. Start with just five minutes a day and choose something you are naturally drawn to – it could be knitting, mindful colouring, drawing, painting or another type of craft.
Take a Mindful Shower
Choose your favourite scented Bath & Shower Gel, create a lather in your palms, take in the fragrance and take a moment to consider what you have done today to make yourself happy and what you have done to make someone else happy. The refreshing scent of Summer Rising Bath & Shower Gel lends itself to this ritual with its clean notes of Orange Blossom, Tangerine, Moss and freshly cut Grass. As you wash, scan your body and notice any parts that are holding tension and try to consciously relax them. As you finish the shower, you might wish to think of three things you feel grateful for today.
Click here to discover our uplifting Summer scents – perfect to help you feel relaxed and brighter.
