How to Relax in Five Minutes or Less

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If you feel as though life keeps getting the better of you then you need to find ways to start relaxing. This can be hard when you live a busy lifestyle, but if you make a change now then you may find it easier to get those five minutes of peace from time to time.

Brief Relaxation

Even if you spend five minutes a day relaxing, your mental health will be better for it. Sit with your back nice and straight and do some slow and deep breaths. You need to try and breathe with your belly rather than your chest and inhale for five counts. Exhale for five counts, and feel the air leave your body. If you can, try and focus on the tension moving downward. You need to feel it moving from your face, down to your neck and to your core. If you can, you also need to take the time to focus on the state of tranquility you are in so you can put yourself in a better mindset overall. Things like this can make a huge difference to your mental health, so keep that in mind.

Visual Imagery

This is also known as guided imagery. This is an exercise that is used mostly for relaxation but at the same time, it can be great for stress management. Try to find a comfortable bed or even a chair and close your eyes. Visualize a place, whether it is a garden or a beach. Just picture somewhere you feel safe. When you have done this, you can then use your senses to try and make the space feel as real as possible. Think about what you feel, hear and smell, so you can spend a few minutes just being more present. Repeat to yourself some positive affirmations too, such a “you are here, and you are safe”. If you can do this while spending a few minutes taking in the feeling of deep relaxation, then this will help you out quite a lot.

Deep Breathing

Concentrate on your breathing and the things you can do to try and get more oxygen into your body. If you can do this and if you can make your body feel more relaxed, then this will help you to unwind. Put your feet on the floor if you are sitting in a chair and cross your legs. If you can breathe normally then this will help you to unwind, and you may also find that it helps you to focus on what really matters. Don’t try to control your thoughts, and make sure that you stop your mind from wandering.

Stretching

Relieve stress by taking the time to do a few simple stretches. They get the blood pumping and they can also help you to improve circulation too. You may find that you end up being able to increase flexibility this way while aiding muscle tension. Hold a belt or even a towel in your right hand and then extend your right arm upwards. Let the belt dangle behind you and then bend your arm at the elbow. Attempt to grasp the belt with your left hand and then try to move your hands closer together. If you can do this then you will soon notice a huge improvement in your posture and you may even find that you are able to feel better within yourself overall.

Play a Game

If you can, you also need to try and play games. Games often only take five minutes at a time and when you look into options like Sudoku, you will find they give you plenty to focus on. You may find that they help you to focus on what is happening right here and now and that you can take time away from the worries you are currently experiencing. If you are finding it hard to find games you love then you may find that you can find something in the app store or you can even ask your friends and family to see if they have any suggestions. The great thing about doing this is that you can take time for yourself and that you can also escape from reality even if it is just for a few minutes.

If you need some more ideas, then you can try and listen to your favorite song or you can unwind by putting on some classical music. This only takes a few minutes but it is the best way for you to let your feelings of stress go.

*This article is based on personal suggestions and/or experiences and is for informational purposes only. This should not be used as professional advice. Please consult a professional where applicable.