Do you ever feel like you’re just not getting enough time to relax? Do you feel that you can’t relax even when you have a moment to yourself? There are plenty of people who feel that way, and it can be hard to get the rest that you so desperately need. You need time to destress, as does your body, and it can have you feeling exhausted if you never get a moment to breathe.

It’s important that you’re looking for ways to make your downtime more relaxing, and there are a few ways you can do that. Some are simple, and some might take a little work from you – but relaxation is something you should prioritize.

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Make more time

Making more time to rest is easier said than done, but if you’re not getting enough time each week to spend on what you enjoy or what calms you, then you simply need more of it. Learn to say no to others, find someone to step in for you; do whatever it takes for you to get more time to yourself. Even if it’s just a few minutes extra here and there where you can just step away for a moment and be at peace for yourself. 

There are plenty who take a bit of time at work to go on a smoke break or an amazing Arturo Fuente Cigar. Of course, that doesn’t apply if you don’t smoke, but there are other ways to enjoy a short break, from listening to music to going on a walk (or both!).

Doing nothing is okay

It’s not uncommon to feel you’re wasting time if you’re not being productive. Whether you’ve had people nagging at you for being lazy, or you just like to be on your feet all of the time – you should know that doing nothing is perfectly fine and encouraged if you’re frequently busy. It can be nice to just sit and enjoy your own company for a little bit. Watch some TV, read a book, focus on things that calm you, and leave productivity for another time. You need things that let your mind slow down and think about something else for a change.

Schedule your relaxation

If you have a hard time saying no to others, or feel like you’re not busy enough to turn people down – you should start scheduling your own time. Not just scheduling it, but taking your schedule seriously. You owe it to yourself to make that time, and if you schedule it, it can be easier to not miss it for something else. Put it as a high priority if you haven’t had much time to yourself. It might feel like you’re being selfish, but being stressed too often can have negative effects on your mind and body, and can lead to burnout.

Try out new things

The problem might be that you haven’t actually got anything to do that helps you to feel relaxed. You should look for activities that help to take your mind away from your normal every day worries. It doesn’t have to be anything extreme, but an activity that lets you focus without being stressed is important. It could be something creative, something sporty, something competitive. It differs from person to person, but it’s nice to give your mind a little break. 

Not only does having a relaxing hobby help you to destress, but it helps to give you something to look forward to. It’s nice knowing that you’re going to have something calming to do once you’ve finished your work or had a long day out.

Talk about your problems

If you’ve got something on your mind that you simply can’t seem to shake, or you feel like you’re often in a bad mood – you should consider finding someone to talk to about it. Talk to someone you trust, or talk to a professional. You shouldn’t keep all of your feelings bottled up.

You might find that once you’ve spoken to someone about your problems, you feel more at ease in general. You’ll get more enjoyment from the things you do, and you’ll be less irritated by the inconveniences you encounter. Pent-up stress can be dangerous if left alone for too long, so take the time to work on yourself with someone you can trust. It’s not just about destressing, but having a lot of emotional baggage weighing you down can change how you think and feel at any time, so it’s healthier to deal with it as soon as possible.