Have you taken a relaxation day lately?

It’s easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of our busy lives, and sometimes taking time off doesn’t feel like an option. So this year on August 15, or any day where you need to relax, why not embrace inner peace and remind yourself of the benefits taking time out can provide.

Here’s a list of 10 ways you can unwind this National Relaxation Day, or make your own relaxation day!

1. Sleep in

It might sound juvenile, but it’s sure to help you start the day in a relaxed headspace. Don’t set an alarm the night before, and allow your body to rise when it feels rested. Make sure when you open your eyes you take a good stretch!

2. Prepare a full breakfast

The busy life can influence us to rush through our morning routine, leaving us running out the door with an empty stomach. Take the time to prepare yourself a full and nutritious meal. I’d recommend adding in a pancake or two, just because you deserve to treat yourself once in awhile. Make sure you sit down in a quiet place and enjoy your meal, rather than eat on the go.

3. Keep your pyjamas on until the afternoon

Generally our work appropriate clothes aren’t what we’d like to lounge around in all day. Keep your comfortable clothing on until the last minute, and take note of how your physical body feels more relaxed and less stiff.

4. Take yourself on a date

Whenever you’re ready, shed the pyjamas and put on an outfit that makes you feel confident. Now take yourself out somewhere! Dates are a time to get to know someone, so use this time to get to know yourself in the present moment. How are you feeling? What are you thinking about? Sit with yourself and listen to how you can further nurture the parts of you that might’ve been overlooked.

5. Take a stroll

Taking time to enjoy the simple things is often low on our priority list. Taking a walk after a meal not only is nice after sitting down, but it aids in digestion. Holding off on lounging around after a meal also helps you avoid feeling sluggish. So get out in the sunshine and enjoy some Vitamin D!

6. Meditate

When our lives are flooded with to-do schedules, meditating can be quite uncomfortable. It’s difficult to sit in one space and tune out when you’re thinking about all the items on your to-do list not being checked off. After a relaxing morning and lunch, carve out time to sit and do nothing. Your mind will have slowed down a little by this point, making it easier for your thoughts to pass through.

7. Journal

Journaling after meditating allows you to organise your thoughts and keep track of recurring patterns that may be toxic. It’s important to bring awareness to those patterns if you want to grow out of them.

8. Today is for Yin yoga

Slow your practice down today. Taking a break from yang and indulging in the cooling practice of yin can benefit your whole practice. We need to nurture the muscles in our body just as much as our mind, so let gravity do all the work while you lay back and reap the benefits.

9. It’s tea time

Herbal teas induce strong feelings of calmness – so what better way to end your day than with a cup of tea? Its warmth and aroma will be both comforting and calming. Giving attention to each floral and fruit flavour in the cup will also help to slow your mind down, which is ideal before you head off to bed.

10. Wind down with a book

Turn off your phone, and don’t even pick up the TV remote. Keep that clear head of yours clear! Instead of wiring yourself up again before sleeping, continue to reap in the calm by reading a book. When you feel your eyes start to get heavy, cue the lights!