If life has felt a little more stressful for you recently, you are certainly not alone.
As we all adjust to global changes which impact the way we live, it’s more important than ever to find reliable ways to reduce stress, promote mental wellbeing, and give ourselves a break.
Luckily, the team here are veritable experts in relaxation, so we can help.
With that in mind, we’ve put together 5 different ways you can work into your lifestyle to help bring a bit more Zen to your everyday routine.
Tip #1: Try a bit of mindfulness meditation
You’ve probably heard about mindfulness before, but it’s much more than just a buzzword. In fact, the concept of mindfulness is central to many forms of modern therapy — but its history dates back much further.
Originally practiced by Buddhists — specifically the Vipassana movement — mindfulness as it relates to mental health really took root during the 1970s.
Today, mindfulness is a very effective technique for de-stressing because it allows you to re-focus your kind on the present moment — and not on worrying about the past or future.
Tip #2: Get out and get some exercise
This one is so well-known that it might even go without saying, but one of the very best ways to de-stress is through exercise.
Whether it’s a light jog, a 5k run, or even just pumping some iron in the gym, physical activity will always release endorphins (the happy hormone) which will work to actively reduce feelings of stress.
Even better, according to the NHS, people who exercise every day reduce their risk of anxiety and stress by 40%.
If that’s not a good reason to grab your running shoes, then what is?
Tip #3: Enjoy a bit of comedy
Ever heard the phrase “laugher is the best medicine”? It exists for a good reason — because it’s true!
Just as with exercising, laughing triggers the release of endorphins, the body’s own feel-good drug. This will provide a sense of well-being and will reduce feelings of tension and anxiety, at least for a while.
That’s why, even if you don’t feel like it right now, watching a comedy movie or a stand-up show can quickly have a positive effect on your state of mind, taking your stress with it.
Tip #4: Take some time for a long, relaxing soak in the tub
Naturally, we couldn’t put together a collection of tips like this without mention of whirlpool baths — but we’re not just suggesting taking a bath for no good reason.
In fact, taking a long, relaxing soak in the tub — whirlpool or not — is scientifically proven to relax and de-stress even the most frazzled of minds. According to a 2018 study from Japan, whole-body immersion in warm water can demonstrably improve fatigue, stress, and pain. The study also showed positive results for anxiety reduction — and all from taking a 10-minute bath.
Of course, if you’re looking for the ultimate way to relax and unwind in the tub, our range of whirlpool baths, showers, and bathroom accessories should be just your cup of tea.
Tip #5: Spend some time with a four-legged friend
As any pet owner will tell you, animals really are nature’s answer to stress and anxiety. After all, emotional support animals exist for a reason.
Whether you’ve got a cat, dog, (or even a hamster) of your own or you’re just visiting, spending time with animals is a great way to reduce stress levels and improve your mental well-being.
It’s not just theoretical, either, because spending time with animals has been proven to reduce levels of cortisol in the blood. (That’s the nasty one which actually causes stress).
Want to improve the effects of animal therapy? Take the dog for a walk and stack some exercise endorphins in there, too!
We hope our advice will help you to relax, de-stress, and find time for some self-care — no matter what the world throws at you.
And, as always, if you have any questions about baths, showers, accessories (or anything else) we’re always just a phone call away.