Do you know what it feels like to lie in your bed at night without being able to relax your mind? If so, then this article is for you. We want to explore together 5 effective activities to calm your mind and experience mental relax.
#1. Breathing Exercises
If you find it hard to relax mind body and soul, then try doing some breathing exercises. Most Eastern traditions underline the role of breathing and this is no coincidence. Breathing is important for providing each part of our bodies with enough oxygen. And oxygen is vital for relieving anxiety and reducing mental activity.
When you are aiming at mind relax before sleep or at any time during the day, try performing diaphragmatic breathing. First, take a comfortable position. Next, put one hand on your abdomen and the other on your chest. Then, release all the air and then breath in deeply.
If you perform this technique properly, you will notice that the hand on your abdomen will rise slightly, but the hand on your chest will remain still. Then empty your abdomen as you exhale. Whenever your mind is very agitated, hold your breath for a few seconds each time you breathe in and out. This is one of the most effective ways to relax your mind.
#2. Journaling
If you want to relax your mind, you need to get things off it. To do so, practice free-flow journaling. It includes taking a few minutes to write down whatever comes to your mind. It does not matter what you will write down. The point of the practice is to release some of the tension and resistance.
#3. EFT
EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique) is also one of the helpful things to ease your mind. This technique combines physical relaxation, cognitive restructuring, etc. It allows you to tap away trauma or let go of overwhelming emotions. It is rapid-acting, non-invasive and you can learn to do it on yourself.
#4. Connect to Nature
If your mind is overactive, consider spending more time in nature. This will definitely help you relax and reduce your stress levels. When it is not possible for you to go for a walk, you can look at images of nature. Furthermore, it can be helpful to surround yourself with more plants and to listen to nature sounds.
#5. Meditate
Another way to relax your mind more effectively includes meditation. It is a common myth that meditation is all about stopping your thoughts. In fact, this could not be further from the truth.
If you try to stop your thoughts, you will go crazy. It is mission impossible. Nevertheless, practising meditation consistently will help you learn how to detach from your thoughts. This is how you will be able to relax your mind even while there are thoughts in your head and a lot of things going on in your life.
