The Importance of Relaxation

Do you know that feeling of having so much to do that it’s hard for you to slow down? Is there so much happening around you that your often fear of missing out something when you just stay at home to chill? Do you have a hard time unwinding from the day and fall asleep? Do you often feel depleted? Learn about the importance of relaxation for body & mind and find out what you can do to fill your cup regularly.

True relaxation is happening when the mind and body can come into a state of rest and renewal. Watching Netflix and scrolling through your social media feed might seem relaxing, yet it keeps the mind alert and will likely just distract you instead of relaxing you deeply. Many of us are predominantly in a state of doing, achieving and being active for most part of the day. Our current society values productivity and busyness. Yet when we neglect taking regular time-outs to replenish ourselves, it can take a huge toll on our physical and mental health and well-being.

How is the body designed to relax?

The body has two different sets of nervous systems, the sympathetic and the parasympathetic nervous system. Either one or the other is active. The sympathetic nervous system is connected to the “flight or fight” mode. So basically, whenever you are in a stressful situation, this mechanism helps you to react immediately. This is a basic survival mode and was of course necessary when our ancestors were facing a sabre-toothed tiger and they needed to decide in a split-second if they were rather fighting or escaping as quickly as possible. The parasympathetic nervous system governs the “rest and digest” mode, allowing the body to constantly renew itself, digest and relax.

How stress is inhibiting your ability to relax

In modern times, our stressors are different such as pressure at work, living in big cities with lots of traffic and noises, having a busy schedule and so on. What happens is that the stress continues and the sympathetic nervous system is over-active. Whenever we perceive a situation as stressful, the body’s innate capacities for healing, renewal, detoxification and digestion are inhibited. Stress delays physiological repair because it signals your body that there is an emergency and you have to use all available resources to deal with it. So, we need proper relaxation to keep our lives in balance. Sleeping enough and sleeping well is another key factor for allowing the body and brain to recover and repair themselves.

Weight gain cravings, fatigue, repeated colds, high blood pressure and memory problems can all be related to high discharges of cortisol, the basic stress hormone. Cortisol is a life saver in critical situations, but these days you are probably not running from tigers. If cortisol accumulates, your health will be affected. The more you relax and let go of that stress, the more resources your body can devote to healing.

Ways to promote relaxation

• Spending time in nature
• Gentle Yoga practices such as Yin or Restorative Yoga
• Meditation and Mindfulness practices
• Engaging in creative arts such as drawing or colouring mandalas
• Journaling, intuitive writing
• Listening to relaxing music
• Yoga Nidra or other guided relaxation techniques
• Massages or other forms of bodywork
• Sound Healing Sessions

Udara offers various classes, events and treatments to help you relax and renew. Our qualified Spa therapists help you to release any tension that might be stored in your body to restore your wellbeing and balance. Book one of our healing treatments such as Water Healing, Reiki or Sound Healing that not only relax your body but allow your brain waves to slow down into Theta & Delta rhythms that represent states of deep rest and meditation. Check out our yoga and events schedule, sign up for a treatment or just come for a day to enjoy our Spa facilities with warm and cold pools, Sauna, steam bath, meditation cave and relaxation area.

Love yourself enough to see the importance of keeping your cup filled regularly. Taking time for relaxation and rest is a true sign of self-care. Happy relaxing!