Guy Reams (00:01.58)
This is day 27, gain the relax skill. You might think that the art of relaxation is something that just happens. Pop down on the couch, turn on the TV, scroll through your phone, and there it is, relaxation at last. But how often do we truly feel rested after these quote unquote relaxing activities? We know in our heads that stress is harmful and yet it creeps into our lives, taking up residence like an unwanted guest, only to be pushed aside, not managed very well.
The truth is that learning to relax, really learning how to relax, requires practice, commitment, and patience. In today's world, the ability to switch off, shut down, and ease into calm is an essential life skill, one that should be as crucial as learning to manage finances or communicating effectively. There is a battle with stress, and it affects us all. I don't think it's news to anyone that stress is a thief. It steals our energy, our creativity, and yes, our productivity.
When we're under chronic stress, our brains get caught in the fight or flight mode. The cortisol flows, our muscles tense up, and our mental focus narrows. This works wonders if you're running from a tiger, but if you're just trying to finish a report, manage family responsibilities, or navigate life's normal day-to-day hurdles, that constant tension isn't helping you at all. It's actually working against you, reducing your ability to think clearly and be present in the moment.
The more stress we accumulate, the more difficult it is to unwind. Our bodies forget how to relax. It's like a car that keeps running after the engine should have stopped. Just as the cars wear down, so do we. Our productivity, our health, our mental well-being all take a big hit. So the question becomes, how can we learn to switch off effectively? I don't think a lot of us know what real relaxation even looks like.
Real relaxation is not mindlessly watching hours of a show or endlessly scrolling. Those activities don't bring deep rest. They're more like a soft distraction, just barely putting a cushion between us and whatever's bothering us. True relaxation is about teaching the body and mind to disengage from stress at will. It's a skill that involves creating space for calm, a break from the endless to-do's and what ifs.
Guy Reams (02:21.26)
Imagine if at the end of each day you could flip a switch that quieted your mind and relaxed your muscles or released your muscles. This is more than just a pleasant idea. It's a practice that can actually transform how you approach each day. There are some practical steps to relaxation that you might want to consider. If you're like me, you probably need practical steps.
I wish I could tell you there was a magic solution, but learning to relax takes practice and a commitment to habits that calm the nervous system. Here are a few basic ways to get started. First, set a downtime routine. Establish a specific time when you begin winding down each evening. It could be an hour before bed. Turn off all electronics, lower the lights, and signal to your body that it is indeed time to relax. Second, practice deep breathing.
Breathing exercises sound like a simple idea, but they're surprisingly effective. Try breathing slowly through your nose, holding it for a few seconds, and exhaling slowly through your mouth. Repeat this a few times and you'll likely feel tension start to melt away. Seems like an easy idea, but very few of us can sit down and actually do that. Third, you can learn the art of mindfulness. Learning to stay present in the moment can help ease worry about the future or ruminations about the past.
Focus on the now, listen to the sounds around you, notice the sensations in your body, and just breathe. You might also consider engaging in physical relaxation techniques. Sometimes our bodies need help to relax. You can try progressive muscle relaxation, where you tense and release each muscle group one by one. A gentle stretching routine, or even a warm bath or a dip in the jacuzzi can also help release that stored tension.
Fifth, you can make room for joy. You might want to start thinking about something you can do that generally brings you pleasure each day, even if it's just for a few minutes. Listen to your favorite music, go paint something, go for a short walk, spend time with someone who makes you laugh, things like that. Relaxation is a life skill that is worth practicing. So why would you do all this? Because learning to relax can make every other aspect of your life better.
Guy Reams (04:39.128)
When you're calm, your mind is sharper. Your relationships improve, and you can approach challenges with a clear head. Relaxation isn't just about feeling good in the moment. It's about an investment in a long-term productivity and health. Think of it like recharging a battery. If we never take time to power down and recharge, we're not going to be much of use to anyone, least of all ourselves.
We can make relaxation part of our overall commitments. A big part of the commitment journey is recognizing that relaxation isn't something that will just happen on its own. It's a choice, a commitment, a process. It won't come easy if you've been running on high gear for years, but over time with consistent effort, it can become a second nature. Commit to learning how to relax. Believe me, I'm one of the most stressed out, full of anxiety people that exists, but I have taught myself how to relax when I need it.
Commit to carving out moments in your day to unwind, because in the end, being able to flip that mental switch to rest deeply and fully isn't just an indulgence. It's a skill that will empower you to live a better, more present, and even a more productive life.