Relaxation Moments

Relaxation, Peace and Serenity for the Mind and Body

Why Does Music Help You Relax?

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Did you know that music is the only sensory experience that can activate all the areas of your brain at one time? The brain experiences stimulation in many different parts when you’re listening to music. This can help to build new neuropathways.

Now that we know about brain plasticity, the ability to create new pathways in the brain is important because it affects our behavior.

If you strengthen stress pathways in the brain it encourages you to continue in that behavior. But new pathways can help you change. Neural pathways are the underlying foundation of your thoughts, the way you feel things, the way you act and your habits of thinking.

One of the benefits of using music to influence brain function is that it is non-invasive. Not only can music therapists easily use music with their patients, but you can use music in ways that benefit you at home. If you’re trying to relax it’s good to know that music can have a strong influence on many different parts of your brain.

Music also has a physical effect on your body. When you listen to slower tempo music it helps to relax your muscles and release the tension which may be adding to your stress.

Another interesting fact about music and relaxation is that there are studies showing the exact beat per minute that helps you relax. Music at 60 beats per minutes can help your brain to synchronize with the beats that cause alpha brainwaves and this is the brainwave that is existing when you’re relaxed yet still conscious.

If you listen to music that’s around 60 beats per minute for up to 45 minutes in the evening this can help you to get to sleep. If you want to try this, choose a comfortable place to sit or lie down and choose calm music. You’ll preferably want to select music that appeals to you. If you like the music and it’s calming then you probably won’t need to worry about whether it is 60 beats per minute. It needs to be comforting and calming for it to work. If you don’t like the music then you’re going to be distracted by it in a bad way and it won’t help you relax.

Music can be used at any time of the day or night to help you relax. And if you’re using it at work or when you’re out and about there’s always the option to use headphones. Music offers you so many options and can be adapted to each person’s preferences. Now that you know how music affects your brain and body go ahead and find out what suits you best.

Listening to Music to Relax

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Most people know that listening to music can calm the mind. But did you know that it also has a physiological effect on your body. If you choose to listen to slow or quiet music it can help to slow down your heart rate and lower your blood pressure. One type of music that is often good for this purpose is classical music.

By having an effect on these physiological functions in your body you can use music to help you relax. Listening to music in this way has also been shown to decrease your levels of stress hormones such as cortisol.

If you’re a busy person and you’re trying to find new ways to relax, music is useful because you can use it while doing other tasks. If you’re the type of person who get frustrated and it feels like you’re wasting time by engaging in relaxation exercises then music may be your answer.

Try to include slow and relaxing music in the car while you’re driving. Even if you’re not a fan of classical music, give it a go for relaxation purposes. It’s easy to try while you’re driving.

And if you go to the gym or take your dog for a walk, consider listening to classical music at the same time. Of course, it depends on what you’re doing at the gym because you may want to pump yourself up with high energy music rather than relaxing. If you need to spend time waiting for an appointment try wearing your headphones and listening to classical music while you wait. There are plenty of opportunities during the day when you can experiment with calming music.

If you have trouble getting to sleep at night because your thoughts are racing then you may want to use music to initiate the relaxation response. For this purpose you may want to try something other than classical music. If you have some favorite songs that are familiar and produce a comforting feeling for you, then these would be suitable before bedtime.

Once you find which music suits you best, you’ll be able to use it readily as a stress management tool regularly during the day or save it just for times of high stress. At least you’ll be ready with your own personalized relaxation strategy. And if you think music isn’t really helping you to de-stress then try experimenting with something completely different. Music from another culture may be good for this.

Trying Something Different for Relaxation

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If you’re always busy and you feel like you never really relax, try something completely different. There are plenty of things you can buy cheaply that can make a difference to how you feel.

If you’ve never owned a Himalayan salt lamp before you may want to buy a small model and give a go. Among other claims, these lamps are said to provide negative ions in the air which help to improve your mood. But the lamp is also a beautiful décor item to place in your home. The glow of the pink amber color is calming and can help you relax.

Have you tried aromatherapy? Many people swear by aromatherapy oils as the best way to relax. You can choose pure oils such as lavender or rose or try a blend of oils. Most people prefer a blend because you get a more complex scent and more benefits from several oils at one time. You can buy an aromatherapy diffuser online for under $15 and if you want to keep the cost down on the oils only buy one blended bottle to start with. If you don’t want to use a diffuser in your room, try rubbing calming aromatherapy oils mixed with a carrier oil, such as almond oil, into your feet and then wearing socks over them. This can be an easy way to relax when you’re feeling stressed.

If you’ve never used bath bombs before, this may be a new way for you to relax. Choose a scent that appeals to you. If you like a sweet scent, try rose or orange blossom scented ones. If you prefer a citrus scent get the lemongrass, lemon balm or lime and ginger type of bath bombs. Coconut is another favorite for many people and you might also like to try a refreshing scent like peppermint in your bath. Not only will the warmth of the bath help you to relax but the bath bomb will add an entirely new experience to your relaxation regime.

Another way to improve your relaxation time is to incorporate houseplants into your home. Studies have shown that people have reduced levels of stress when they are in a room with plants as compared to a room without plants. Choose green leafed plants that are suited for indoors and then you won’t have to worry about them dying. Plants that can tolerate low light include Golden Pothos, ZZ Plant (Zanzibar Plant) and the Peace Lily. These plants can also improve the indoor air quality by adding oxygen and absorbing toxic chemicals in the air. It’s easy to add plants to your home or on your desk at work and they could help you feel more relaxed.

Implement Systems to Free Up Your Time for Relaxation

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If you’re always stressed out because you never have enough time in your day then it’s worth considering using systems to help you find time for relaxation. If you can systematize parts of each day you minimize most of the time-wasting tasks.

By implementing systems it means you don’t have to keep re-inventing the wheel. If you start with some easy tasks it will encourage you to systematize more.

You can start to reclaim your time by automating as many bill payments as possible. You can also set up recurring orders for groceries or other household products. Whenever you need to shop for things, consider getting them delivered to save you time.

If you want to free up more time in the morning to help you relax, try systematizing your wardrobe. You could place each set of clothes for each day of the week from left to right in your wardrobe.

Another alternative is that you can wear the same clothes in a cycle of several days. You can wear one outfit on day one, another on day two and a third on day three. After that keep cycling your clothes so you wear the same outfit on day four that you wore on day one. Then follow the next day with the same as day two. Some people will think this is incredibly boring but if you allow yourself the flexibility of skipping a day and choosing an entirely different outfit when you feel like it then you can use the system as your starting base and it will save you time when you need to.

If there is an activity you want to do each day, but you never have enough time for it, then try to build a system into your daily routine. For example, instead of saying you want to meditate each morning but you don’t have time, make it easy for yourself to do it. Set up an alarm on your phone to tell you the time you’re going to start meditating and then use an app to guide you through a meditation. This is your simple system to make sure you do it every morning. It doesn’t need to take long but without this straight-forward system in place you’re more likely to think about the idea of meditation but not get started on it because you’ll choose to do another task that you know is waiting for you.

Set up systems to use your time better. As soon as you give yourself too many options you may not find enough time for yourself. By implementing a system and following through with it, you eliminate the alternatives and free up time which you can use for relaxation.

Create a Relaxation Sanctuary at Home

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Most people like to relax in an environment where they are safe and comfortable. If you want a special place to relax at home, consider setting up one room that you know you can always go to when you are feeling stressed.

You don’t need to set aside one whole room for this purpose. You can choose one room and make sure it is acceptable but then add extra touches for when you want to experience some relaxation time.

If you love your bedroom you can use this as your relaxation sanctuary. If you have a guest room you could set that up as your relaxation room so it is a different space from the room you sleep in every night. First of all, decide what textures you want to use. Would you love the feel of a thick fluffy floor rug under your feet? Think about a comfortable chair or extra throw pillows you could use to sit against on the bed. You could choose a wrap around chair that is supportive yet comfortable. If that doesn’t appeal to you then what about a massage chair that can soothe your tired muscles at the end of a long day? If it’s cold outside consider adding a heated blanket to your favorite chair.

If you want to use creative lighting to help the mood then add soft fairy lights to help you relax.

Another room that’s perfect as a relaxation sanctuary is your bathroom. If you love to take a long warm bath then consider adding accessories that will help you relax. Have candles ready to add to the room. If you don’t want to risk burning the house down then get battery operated candles. These days artificial candles are very realistic and they give a flickering light like a real candle.

Invest in a bathtub caddy and soak in your bath while you’re enjoying a glass of your favorite beverage. You can also use the caddy to hold scented bath bombs or bath oils.

Another way to create a relaxation sanctuary is in your garden. Choose a favorite spot and add a chair where you can sit comfortably. If you can add a table this is helpful for placing a book or even adding a potted plant. If you choose some garden accessories like potted flowering plants, garden ornaments or a garden arch to your outdoor sanctuary then you’ll always feel like it’s welcoming you. And if you don’t have a large garden try setting up your relaxation sanctuary on a deck or a small patio. You can decorate it with all the things you love and make it your own space.

Using Me-Time to Relax

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When you can schedule some me-time into your busy schedule, you don’t want to waste it. By giving time to yourself you can find new and interesting ways to relax. A lot of busy people use their me-time to check social media or catch up on news stories online. While this is something you may need to do every day, there are more different ways of using the time to help you relax.

Taking some time and doing some stretches is a good way to help you to relax. Try and choose a quiet spot or go to a room where you can close the door and shut yourself off from other people. If you enjoy yoga then you can use yoga poses to stretch your muscles and calm your mind.

When was the last time you read a book? If you haven’t read a fictional novel in a while then you’ll really appreciate losing yourself in the story. Try to choose a real book with actual paper pages rather than reading on an electronic device. By reading a real book you get the physical experience of turning the pages and holding the book and you don’t have the glare of a screen. This gives your eyes a break and offers a different experience, especially if you’re usually on a computer screen for many hours per day.

The advantage of a book is that you can pick it up for a short time and enjoy the distraction or devote a longer time to reading and lose track of time completely. You can grab some me-time during a lunch break at work to read or devote half a day to reading on a weekend. Reading lets you go wherever the story takes you. It can be educational, it can increase your vocabulary and it will help you to relax.

If you tend to avoid people because you’re too busy then me-time is a good time to catch up with friends. By spending time with a genuine friend it will boost your mood and provide a good distraction from your other activities.

However, if you spend all day with people and you’re feeling overwhelmed by them then me-time is best spent on your own in peace and quiet. If you have a favorite place then take time to go there. If you love nature try and take a walk through a park or along a beach. If you’re working in a big city and you can’t get to a place of nature you may have a favorite café nearby where you can find a quiet corner on your own to just sit and relax. 

By taking time out, on your own, you can refocus and feel calm again. This is important if you’re always busy but you don’t feel energized by being around lots of people all day.

The Hygge Magic Of Slippers, Thick Socks, And Cozy Sweaters

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No matter your surroundings, it’s hard to feel cozy if you’re wearing uncomfortable clothing. That’s why loungewear like slippers, thick socks and cozy sweaters are essential to your casual, hygge home life.

A good pair of slippers will not only keep your feet warm, but actually soothe your feet after a long day. The best hygge slippers are made from natural fibers, like woven knit or leather or suede. There are many hygge inspired patterns and colors out there to choose from, a favorite being a plain, natural color, such as beige. For the inner sole of your slippers you might like to choose memory foam, for softness and comfortability. For the outer sole, pick something that is non-marking, so indoor use won’t be a problem for your floors and rugs.

Thick socks are another basic, essential item to your hygge winter wear, this year. Thick knit socks are so comfortable and can be worn with any loungewear for wintertime, cozy feel. The best thing about socks is that, unlike slippers, you can feel good about putting your feet up on your favorite comfy chair or sofa, without getting the furniture dirty. Natural and organic knitwear is big in Denmark, home of the concept of hygge. Get yourself some cozy socks like this and you’ll be ready to take on winter.

Chunky sweaters are a wonderfully versatile clothing item for winter. You can easily wear these sweaters while you’re relaxing indoors or when you have to go out of the house on an errand. Hygge inspired knit sweaters are warm, cozy and on trend. Again, natural colors and fibers make the best hygge sweaters. Pair your soft, comfortable sweater with a pair of fleece lined leggings and you’ll be all set for a cozy night at home.

With all of the potential hygge style winter wear, you’re sure to have some gift giving ideas. It’s always nice to pick up a pair of cute cozy socks for a friend or maybe even matching slippers for the family. Personalized gifts are always a nice gift giving touch too. Monogramming the winter slippers you have purchased for each member in your family would make an excellent little gift along with a handwritten dinner party invitation. This way you can all enjoy your cozy monogrammed hygge slippers as you share a wonderful family meal around the table.

Simple Ways To Make The House Smell Amazing for The Holidays.

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As humans, our sense of smell plays a large role in our everyday lives, whether we realize it or not. Scents have the ability to change our mood, change how we interact with others and even play a large role in our ability to recall memories. In fact, studies find that scent is so closely linked to memory, that people can remember a scent with 65% accuracy after one year, where visual memory drops to nearly 50% after only a few months. This is because when we smell a scent it goes straight to the brain’s olfactory bulb, which is directly connected to the amygdala and the hippocampus. All technical terms aside, scents are oftentimes linked by the brain with memories. Maybe it’s the smell of your mom’s cooking, a certain flower or a perfume; certain scents can bring you right back to a memory as if it happened just yesterday. Scents have the ability to change our mood. You can use scents to your advantage to spike your hygge holiday spirit and make your home smell amazing.

Scented candles are a wonderful way to make your home look and smell festive and inviting for the holiday season. Having lit candles around your home will most definitely add to your hygge vibe. The warm glow will make rooms feel cozy and comfortable. Not only do candles look and feel homey, they also smell great. Almost all stores sell scented candles these days, but for higher quality scents, get your candles at a store that sells candles exclusively. If you have a local candle maker near you, even better! Scents like warm vanilla, cinnamon apple, sugar plum and peppermint are some holiday favorites.

Another way to make your home smell amazing for the holidays is with fresh greenery. Use of a freshly cut fir tree, a fresh wreath or some branches from an aromatic evergreen are great ways to keep your hygge home smelling and feeling joyful. If fresh trees and branches are not naturally available in your area, check with some of the home improvement stores. Look for some of the best smelling evergreens, which are the Scotch pine, Douglas fir, white spruce and Noble fir trees.

Last, but not least, baking homemade holiday treats always keeps your home filled with sweet and savory scents. Not only is baking and cooking seasonal treats a perfect hygge activity, it ensures your home smells good, naturally. If you have any traditional holiday family recipes, those will work great. Or, start a sweet smelling traditional recipe of your own with your loved ones. No matter which route you take, keep your home smelling festive for a relaxing hygge holiday.

Cut Down Your Own Tree For A Hygge Family Experience

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The nature of the holiday season provides so many fun and satisfying hygge opportunities. From cooking or baking family recipes, to holiday movies, there are various ways to achieve that cozy hygge feeling we long for, especially during the holidays. One the most absolute favorite family hygge traditions for the season is picking out and cutting down your own tree. There’s really nothing else that feels more like the holiday spirit than cutting down your own tree with family, and afterward, having fun decorating it while you all bake cookies and sip hot chocolate.

Maybe you live in an area where the traditional holiday fir tree grows in abundance and you are able to go and pick one out easily. If not, thanks to the growing hygge movement; cut-your-own-tree farms are increasingly popular. Chances are there is one within driving distance from your home. If that’s not the case either, a tree that’s indigenous to your area will do just fine. It’s truly less about the tree and more about the experience. Once you have a plan of where you will cut the tree down from, it’s time to gather up the family. Get dressed in your holiday flannels, jeans and boots and head to the tree farm. Remember to bring a few warm blankets or scarves to help you all stay cozy. Decide as a group what shape tree will work best in your home. Have fun cutting it down together and strapping it to the top of your car to make the drive with your tree back home.

Once you and your holiday tree arrive home, decorating it as a family is definitely part of the hygge experience. Wrap the tree with warm colored lights and family-made decorations. A perfectly decorated tree is not the goal of this tradition, rather a tree that is put up with love, laughter and family memories is. To further the hygge, light some candles around your home, add in some freshly baked holiday cookies, hot cocoa, and maybe some of your favorite holiday music. One of my favorite parts of this family holiday activity is that we’ve made it an annual tradition. Making memories by cutting down our own tree and decorating it together every year really adds to the holiday fun and the feeling of hygge, as well as sets the tone for a warm, family filled holiday season.

A Hygge Holiday Is All About Peaceful, Quiet And Cozy Surroundings

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Hygge, pronounced (Hue-gah) is a Danish word originally derived from an Old Norwegian word meaning well-being and protection from the outside elements. Denmark has notoriously cold, long winters. The concept of hygge has been used by Danish people to help mentally combat the brutally dark, relentless winter season and fill their homes with comfort and love. Hygge is a word that is so important to Danish people; it’s often used to describe what their culture is all about. Hygge is not necessarily something specific that you can buy, because it’s more of a feeling than a possession. Hygge really is the epitome of Danish living, and in the last five years the concept of hygge has made its way to the US and many other countries with extreme popularity and trendiness.

Hygge can widely be described as a feeling of coziness, comfort, familiarity, friendship, laughter and seasonal homemade food and drinks. Although it’s possible to achieve hygge any time of the year (an outdoor BBQ with friends or a movie under the stars with family are perfectly good examples of summertime hygge). Hygge is generally associated with the colder months because if it’s ability to uplift spirits during dark, long winter months. Hygge is perfect for the upcoming holiday season because it’s all about peaceful, cozy surroundings that fill you with the feeling of contentment. Here are a few, simple ways you can bring holiday hygge into your home this season.

Host family and friends – The holidays bring so many opportunities to host get-togethers for your loved ones. Be sure not to stress over these gatherings, hygge parties are relaxed, friendly and homey.

Warm lighting – in order to achieve a great sense of hygge, be sure to light some candles, have a fire or set up string lights. Warm lightning is essential for a holiday hygge vibe.

Cozy linens, blankets and textures – get out all of those soft, fluffy blankets and have them available on the couch or chairs and by the windows, so that you can easily cuddle up with your favorite book and relax.

Home cooking and baking – cooking some traditional holiday meals and treats will help bring holiday hygge into your home. Comfort foods like holiday ham, stews, savory flatbreads, cookies, cinnamon apple pie will waft soul-warming scents throughout the air, making your home feel cozy and cared for.

Holiday hygge is easy and comforting. Most people are already doing at least some of these simple holidays hygge hacks without even knowing it. Now that you know the term for that warm and fuzzy feeling, you will be able to up your holiday hygge game even further.