3 Tips For Making the Most of Your Downtime

Burnout is real. It can be experienced in work, relationships, and even in exercising! When striving to achieve our goals, we tend to take every opportunity to work and try to improve. It can be easy to always say yes. When trying to make more money, that might require us to work every second we can - but some of that comes at a cost. 

To really be our best, and perform at the highest level, we need to have downtime. We need to give our mind and body a break. When we properly relax and unwind, we can think more clearly and make better decisions. This causes us to have lower blood pressures, more relaxed muscles, and lower risk of long term health concerns. We end up feeling more positive and having a better outlook, which then positively impacts every other element of our life. 

When using our downtime properly, it allows our minds and bodies to get fully refreshed and ready to dive in - and achieve all our goals. Who doesn't want that?

Here are several ways you can make the most of your downtime:

1. Relax your mind

Practice meditation. We’ve written about meditation before because it works so well, but having a regular mindfulness practice, and making it a ritual part of your downtime has measurable effects. Research has found meditation and mindfulness to decrease stress and anxiety and help us react better in high-stress circumstances.

Turn on some calming tunes. Music affects our mood, so what we listen to can change how we feel.  According to Stanford researchers, just as much as mediation. Just like when people pick upbeat songs to amp them up while exercising, picking slower, more subdued songs will help relax you and relieve any stressors

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2. Relax your body

Take a hot bath. Warm water is scientifically proven to have a soothing effect on us. Similar to the effect of feeling the warm sun on our skin, when we are submerged in warm water our body releases endorphins which inherently help us feel better. Warm baths can also help us breathe better because our oxygen transport increases when our body heats up.

Stretch. We're supposed to stretch after we work out every time. Most of us know that - and still, most of us don't do it. But stretching is important even when you haven't just worked out because it releases tension and toxins in your muscles. When you're working from home all day, sitting in a chair you have plenty of built-up tension to release. Taking the time to stretch will let out that tension so you don't carry it with you and ultimately increase stress over time. 

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3. Relax everything

Get outdoors. Being in nature, surrounded by greenery, is one of the best things you can do to improve your health and well-being. Science proves it and recommends getting at least 25 min each day. There is certainly no cap on that - if you want to and can get more time in, please do! It will only help you in the long run. 

The bottom line

Go on and enjoy your downtime! You won't only be a better person in your relationship or work life, you'll be a healthier person in general. So, do one or do them all, but make sure you make time to unwind. 

Relax, unwind, and refresh yourself!