6 ideas for learning relaxation

Don't feel guilty, it's essential to allow time to yourself. During the day, unwind for a few minutes, relax in a break room in the office, choose a relaxation chair, or just going out for a breath of fresh air. Unplugging also means separating your private and professional life. Before leaving, make sure all those urgent tasks are finished and, if not, make a list of things to do later and leave it at the workplace. To get more good time for yourself, don't get drowned in devices : that means stop picking up your phone and shutdown the computer. Besides, looking at screens affects your sleep. Prefer restful activities like reading and drawing, or cooking.

It is recommended to organise a space dedicated to relaxation at home. This soothing place of relaxation can resemble a garden corner, a terrasse zen, a veranda or a quiet room. This cosy corner shouldn't be the bedroom where you sleep. Sleeping and relaxing are not synonymous. Prefer a calm place, with no passage. Decorate this space with plants and install reclining chairs or deckchair so you can enjoy it at any time of day.

It is quite possible to meditate alone at home. 10 minutes a day is enough to feel the first beneficial effects on stress levels. You can meditate in the morning to start the day feeling good; in the evening to get rid of accumulated tension. Always try to meditate in the same place, preferably in a quiet room, sitting facing a wall. Before entering into meditation, you can start with a moment of relaxation. With your eyes closed, breath calmly through the nose. Relax your stomach, let it inflate with breathing in and breath out the used air.

Then choose a posture. You can choose the Buddha position of the zen tradition : sitting on a firm round cushion, cross your legs keeping your knees on the floor, the left foot placed on the right thigh, and right foot on left thigh, with the soles of your feet turned upwards. Half close your eyes and stare at a spot one metre in front of you. Let your thoughts come and go. Try to think of nothing. You may find it easier to blank off by concentrating on your breath like a musical rhythm. Your mind will then be clear of the day's worries.

In general, practicing a sport helps relaxation. Coming from India, yoga is a discipline that takes account of all dimensions of being, both physical and mental, like a connection between mind and body. Thanks to the breathing postures, this activity helps the body let go. Walking is also highly recommended, especially walking outdoors in nature. Invented by the Japanese in the 1980s, « shinrin-yoku », that is « forest bathing » is even recommended for reducing blood pressure and reducing stress as well as nervous fatigue. In France, forest bathing, meaning « treatment by trees », is taking root: you just have to stroll in a forest and let nature sooth you.