Holidays and leisure time are meant to be a time of rest, relaxation, and rejuvenation. However, many people find it challenging to truly unwind and make the most of their time off. In today's fast-paced world, it's common to carry stress and worries even during our supposed downtime.

But fear not! In this blog post, we'll explore some reasons why people struggle to relax during their holidays and leisure time and provide simple stress-busting techniques and mindfulness exercises to help you fully embrace and enjoy your well-deserved breaks.

 

The Pressure to Be Productive:

One of the main reasons people struggle to relax is the pressure to be productive all the time. Society often places value on constant busyness, making it difficult to switch off and simply be present. Remember that leisure time is an opportunity to recharge, allowing your mind and body to replenish their energy reserves and so it is ok to not fill every day with ‘busy-ness’ and just sit on a beach, by a river or binge watch NetFlicks  if that is what replenishes you.

 

Digital Overload and Constant Connectivity:

In this digital age, we are constantly bombarded with notifications, emails, and social media updates. It's challenging to disconnect and be fully present in the moment when our smartphones are always within arm's reach. Set boundaries by establishing tech-free periods during your time off to create space for relaxation and true connection with yourself and loved ones. Try deleting apps temporarily from you phone altogether if you think you’ll be tempted to keep checking them and then just re-install them when you get back.  Definitely go into your settings and mute all notifications for apps related to work, the news or anything else that doesn’t need to disturb your holiday time.

 

Lingering Worries and To-Do Lists:

Even during our holidays, our minds can remain preoccupied with worries and unfinished tasks. To fully enjoy your time off, try these stress-busting techniques:

Write a To-Do List: Before your break, make a comprehensive list of tasks that need to be addressed upon your return. This way, you can mentally offload and let go of the need to remember everything.

 

Book a relaxation treatment just before you go

A wonderfully relaxing: 

• Reiki treatment

• Indian Head Massage

Or other holistic treatments can really help your mind, body and spirit transition from ‘busy’ mode to ‘holiday’ mode and put you into a strong place to kickstart your time off in the best way possible.

 

Why not try these mindfulness exercises for holiday relaxation:

To support your ability to relax and be fully present, incorporate these mindfulness exercises into your daily routine both before you go away and whilst you are there:

1 — Engage in Mindful Journalling

Write down any worries or concerns in a journal, acknowledging and releasing them from your mind. This practice helps you gain clarity and promotes a sense of inner calm.

2 — Deep Breathing

Take a few moments throughout the day to focus on your breath. Inhale deeply through your nose, feeling the breath fill your lungs, and exhale slowly through your mouth, releasing any tension or stress.

3 — Body Scan Meditation

Find a comfortable position and gradually bring your attention to different parts of your body, from head to toe, noticing any sensations or areas of tension. With each scan, consciously relax and release any built-up stress.

 

4 — Be Fully Present In Nature

Spend time in nature and allow yourself to be fully immersed in its beauty. You’ll likely have the opportunity to witness nature that isn’t usually available to you if you are going away but your own back garden or a local park close to your home or workplace work just as well.   

• Pay attention to the sights, sounds, and smells around you, grounding yourself in the present moment.

• Resist the temptation to get your cameraphone out to capture the moment and instead savour it by being fully present in its glory.

 

It's crucial to prioritize your well-being by learning how to relax and enjoy your time off. By understanding the reasons behind our struggles to unwind and implementing stress-busting techniques and mindfulness exercises, you can reclaim your leisure time and experience true rejuvenation. Remember, it's not just about the destination or the activities you engage in during your breaks - it's about being fully present and savouring every precious moment.

 

So, take a deep breath, unplug, and give yourself permission to relax. Your mind, body, and soul will thank you for it.