Nine ways to relax your mind

Leaving the mind blank is a mere statement, but, in practice, it is not possible. What we can do is focus it on a specific, relaxing object that helps us de-stress. In a time when most of us move at a fast pace, it is necessary to take time each day to relax the mind and eliminate stress.

“Every day has a choice: practice stress or practice peace.”

-Joan Borysenko-

Choose your own way to relax your mind

Getting your mind to relax is a purely practical matter. And, for this, there are different ways to achieve it. With this, we can reduce our stress and anxiety levels. Below we explain 9 ideas that will help you. You can do it with the one you feel most comfortable with.

1. White wall

We close our eyes and visualize an immense white wall. While the mind is focused on recreating its white color, there is no room for further thoughts. If it is difficult to maintain concentration, we can think of a related phrase, such as “I visualize a white wall.”

2. Hands without strength

We close our eyes, place our palms facing up and concentrate completely on our hands.

3. Total concentration on the sound of breathing

Close your eyes, breathe in and breathe out slowly. The mind must be completely concentrated on the noise we make when we breathe and the sensation of the air entering and leaving. The ideal is to focus on the exit and entry of air just outside the nose, while breathing abdominally. And it is important not to judge any thoughts that come to mind, but rather to observe them and let them pass.

“All we do is experience what happens in our mind and how this relates to everything that happens around us. The most important thing is not the object, but the very fact of caring for oneself and, above all, realizing that we are not our thoughts.”

-Jon Kabat-Zinn-

There may be times when your mind wanders elsewhere, whether it’s problems or activities that we need to do that day. When other thoughts appear, we must internally repeat the phrase “I only focus on my breathing.”. In this way, we displace all thoughts and leave the mind relaxed and focused on breathing again.

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4. Relaxing music

Sit somewhere comfortable and play soft music, such as violins, guitar, nature, water, classical music, etc. Each person is a world and, for what one can be relaxing, for another it does not have to be. Thus, Look for the sound or music that makes you feel calm.

Close your eyes and immerse yourself in those notes. Imagine that the musical notes take shape and come towards you, entering your mind and body and making you feel at peace. Feel that state of connection with music. It penetrates you and cleanses you of all negativity, leaving you in a state of total relaxation.

“In music all feelings return to their pure state and the world is nothing but music made real.”

-Arthur Schopenhauer-

5. Exit to nature

Going out to make contact with nature is one of the most relaxing tasks that exist. Contemplate the sea water, waterfalls, green nature, etc. It leaves us in a state of disconnection from problems.

It is always better to see it in first person, but if it is not possible, Viewing images or videos of nature also helps the mind de-stress. What comes into view is highly important. We must not only be careful with what we think, but also with what we see.

If we go for a walk in nature, it is very important that we try to be in the present. Walk slowly, breathe slowly and appreciate every detail that our planet offers us: a flower, a tree, a bird, the waves of the sea…

6. Take a bath

Take a relaxing bath in time, with hot water, slow music in the background, pretty decorations, decorate it your way and enjoy it. Feel how the water caresses your skin, move your hand over the water making noise and concentrate on the sound of the water. We often take showers as something routine, but it is important from time to time to take enough time to enjoy them thoroughly.

7. Do sports

Playing sports is proven to release dopamines and endorphins. When exercising, stress is “burned” and a feeling of “high” is produced. But the relaxing effect appears after doing it.

It is important that we like to do it. To do this, you can find a way to exercise that you like, and that it does not make us do it as an obligation.

Sport is something very subjective. Some like running, others the gym, others playing a team game. Find what fits you and turn it into something more in your life. You will feel much better both physically and mentally.

8. Practice your hobbies

Many people, due to the pace of life to which they are subjected, put aside their hobbies. The mind relaxes when we are doing something we likeTherefore, we must put into practice what we like. There are hundreds of activities to do and you can always find some time to do them.

From reading, painting a picture, decorating the house, renovating something old, watching a movie, making jewelry, playing cards, singing, playing the guitar, dancing, etc… There are many activities that can relax you, Look for the one you like and makes you forget your problems.

Make sure that the task you choose is not on the computer, for some people it may relax them, but cyber tasks are usually stressful because there is too much information to process.

9. Use your imagination

Imagining is free and many times, it is very rewarding. Lie on your back, close your eyes and create your own mental journey. Imagine that you are radiant with happiness in the place you like the most, in the company you want the most and visualize how much fun you are having.

To relax your mind, don’t put pressure on yourself

Relaxing the mind is a task that is achieved through a lot of practice and patience.. If you start to do it and feel that you are not getting it, do not despair, it is not necessary to force yourself if you see that you are not yet ready, it is better to leave it for another day without forcing yourself. It is very important to know that, in our first attempts to relax our mind, hundreds of thoughts will invade us.

We should not be scared, it is completely normal. It is nothing more than a sign of how unaccustomed we are to managing our minds.

In the end, after so much practice, there will come a moment that will come naturally. To start, just make small attempts, Once we progress and achieve relaxation, we can include it as a habit, even if it is 15 to 20 minutes a day.