5 Scientifically Validated Ways To Relax

You feel tense and you need an “excuse to relax” because you think that you are celebrating the day of relaxation and you have the help of science to help you achieve it and enjoy all the benefits that calm has:

-Increases the threshold of physical or emotional pain: It releases endorphins that act as analgesics, reducing the intensity of pain that we think we are feeling.

-Reduces the stress hormone cortisol. Relaxing helps you release tension by activating your parasympathetic system, the one in charge of recovering your body.

-It makes you happier: When you relax it generates dopamine and increases endorphins which are the so-called happiness hormones.

-It promotes creativity and stimulates our ability to learn. When you relax, your brain finds new ways to learn and solve problems.

-Lowers blood pressure: When we laugh, the endothelium (the inner layer of blood vessels) relaxes, thus improving blood circulation and lowering blood pressure.

-They decrease insomnia. Relaxation induces a greater capacity for rest and restful sleep.

-Rejuvenate your body: Because it has a toning and anti-wrinkle effect by lengthening the telomeres that are the final parts of the chromosomes and responsible for your health, youth, and beauty, among other tasks.

I share a series of steps that will help you practice relaxation:

1. Listen to Classical Music

Any music you enjoy will make you feel good, but studies have shown that classical music, particularly baroque, slows down your heart rate, lowers blood pressure, and even lowers stress hormone levels.

2. Enjoy a Good Green Tea

Green tea contains L-theanine, a substance that reduces stress, and honey. Unlike sugar, has been shown to counteract free radicals and reduce inflammation, which is sometimes linked to depression. And if you put a little lemon juice makes you feel full of energy.

Also read: OTHER FORMS OF NON-PHYSICAL ABUSE AND HOW TO DETECT IT

3. Take a Microbreak

If you feel overwhelmed, by whatever you are doing, take five slow breaths and close your eyes to visualize a relaxing scene. It may sound cheesy, but numerous studies show that just a few minutes of disconnecting from stressors refreshes your brain and allows you to get back to work with more energy.

4. Chew Gum

No matter what the flavor is, the act of chewing gum has been shown to reduce cortisol and improve mood. Remember to buy a sugar-free one so it doesn't affect your teeth.

5. Give Your Hands a Massage

Take a cream or essential oil and spend a few minutes massaging your hands. This helps you release tension from your fingers and feel relaxed. If you do it at night, apply lavender essence so that you sleep even better.

Bonus: Have you ever heard the saying, "Fake it till you make it." A study published in the journal Psychological Science suggests that smiling during periods of stress can help reduce the body's response to stress, regardless of whether the person is feeling happy or not.

The next time you feel stressed, take a pencil and place it horizontally between your teeth, what this does is that your lips draw a smile and that your brain interprets that your smile is real and it will begin to generate a torrent of endorphins and reduce stress hormone which will help you have a better day.

If you review the previous exercises, each one can be complementary to others. It is up to you how you can include it in your day-to-day life and make relaxation a calmer and happier way of living.