Relaxing is important when it comes to managing your stress. It allows your body to recover physically, mentally, and emotionally. By relaxing, you are allowing your body to balance itself again. This would lead to your body to lower your heart rate and blood pressure, your muscles to relax, and allows your mind to clear so you can focus. Stress is known to trigger some health issues, both physically and mentally. Some of those health issues are, anxiety, cardiovascular disease, insomnia, etc. “People with serious mental disorders have higher rates of physical illness and are more likely to experience premature death” (Crowe et al., 2016).  In another study they found that “ young men with shorter actigraphy-assessed sleep displayed poorer heart rate and diastolic blood pressure.” (Mezick et al., 2013). There are numerous ways one can relax their mind and body. Some relaxation tips you can try are:

• Taking deep breaths

  • Sit in an upright position to allow your lungs to full expand. Breathe in through your nose, and out your mouth slowly.

• Meditating

  • In a quiet or calm environment, whilst sitting in a comfortable position.

• Exercising

  • Activities such as walking, dancing, rock climbing, yoga, etc.

• Leisure activities

  • Arts and crafts, listening to music, cooking, etc.