Has it happened to you that you feel tired and the only thing that comes to mind is simply to lie in a hammock and let time pass? Or are you one of those who consider that pausing in your life is complicated, because it causes you anguish and you feel that you waste your valuable time or will they see you as idle?
Well, nowadays, it seems it has already become a habit to live busy, stressed and in a permanent run run. This can’t happen to you anymore, you need to have a healthy and stable life.
We will list some activities where you will find the true rest you need:
1. Read. It is a fun, easy and cheap activity. Books educate, give what to talk about, but above all they are an unconditional company. They also help to know other points of view and understand feelings and thoughts of others, while allowing to abstract from reality.
2. Spend time in nature. There is scientific evidence that people find balance when walking among trees or natural landscapes. This promotes relaxation, strengthens self-esteem and generates a greater appreciation of the body. However, it is not yet known why that connection is so beneficial for rest. Many believe that the proximity to trees causes people to release their psychological burdens and even find a solution there to their problems. It is known that walking is already one of the most beneficial activities for mental health, but it seems that it is better in these natural spaces than in a gym or on a street. In fact, evidence indicates that parks and trails created by humans are better than those wild natural contexts, and that there is more calm when walking in repetitive landscapes, such as a tree path.
3. Be alone. Although it sounds weird, people rest more with themselves than company of family and friends. A study done in 1997 found that young people who spend time alone have positive experiences with loneliness in the future, also tend to focus and think better. But with loneliness you don’t have to exaggerate. It only takes a couple of hours to get the benefit.
4. Listen to music. Some studies have revealed that music makes people feel a range of emotions. But the most important thing is their ability to introduce the individual into a greater state of activity. When music plays, hostility, irritability and stress decrease, it is even pointed out that the greatest effect is the increase in the capacity for inspiration.
5. Do nothing. Although it is one of the most helpful at rest, it is the least practiced because of the misconception that this amounts to wasting time. Many, in fact, when they are not doing anything they usually feel aimless. In addition, because it is not an activity in itself, but an exercise of sedentary lifestyle. However, studies indicate that in these moments of total inactivity the mind gives way to the ‘eureka moments’. The brain depends on this downtime to charge batteries, process information and reinforce learning. That is why we must combat that idea that doing nothing is a waste of time.
6. A good walk. Walking is an easy, low impact exercise that adapts to the person’s schedule. In addition, it can be done in many parts, including the office. Studies indicate that when people walk the body relaxes and ‘sends calm signals to the mind that will help reduce tension’. This type of exercise also increases the level of hormones such as endorphins that reduce cortisol and adrenaline, precursors of stress.
7. A hot bath. According to studies, a bath in the tub with hot water increases blood flow, which reduces pain, as well as stiff muscles and joints. This implies a more relaxed mind and body.
8. Daydreaming. Science says that people spend as much sleep as daydreaming. The problem is that the latter is frowned upon because it is related to lack of attention. However, the natural state of the mind is wandering, which allows the emergence of thoughts that are not tied to the external environment of the moment or to what it is doing. This mental activity is associated with greater creativity and better planning and problem solving.
9. Watch television. Neuroscientists point out that when people are in front of a television, the areas that develop high brain functions such as neocortex are turned off, but the visual cortex is stimulated. This causes the brain to be in a state of rest, because, although the neurons are still active, the mind is not very committed to this activity. In a way he is not resting one hundred percent, but he is not working at full power. That would explain that ninth place.
10. Meditate. Rest the body is impossible when the mind does not calm down. That is why it is important that when the person wants to totally relax, they also do it with the mind. One of the ways to achieve this is with Mindfulness meditation, focused on breathing.