In this fast-paced modern world that most of us find ourselves in, stress, anxiety and depression are all through the roof and more and more of us are finding it impossible to relax and just be for a while without worrying about answering that work email or making sure the bathroom is spotlessly clean or…well there’s always 101 things going through our minds at once, right?
It’s not good for us, and if we don’t find ways to just chill, more of us are going to find ourselves feeling mentally or physically unwell due to the effects of stress. The good news is, finding your chill is not actually all that complicated if you are willing to try, as you will see below.
1. Give Yourself Permission
It’s almost impossible to find your chill if you think you shouldn’t be relaxing., If you allow yourself to feel guilty for taking some time out for yourself ten even if you hit the spa for a massage or sit down with a good book, you will find that your mind is restless and you simply cannot benefit from taking some time out. Some people love to unwind with a delicious new vape flavor and if that’s you, tell yourself it’s time! Sit back and try something new and be excited by it. You’re allowed to chill! So, give yourself permission to chill, and chances are it’s more likely that you will be able to do so without worrying you should be doing something more productive instead.
2. Download a Meditation App
For many of us, our phones are a prime source of stress when they are bombarding us with work emails or showing us how much more fun our friends are having, but you know what? Our phones can also be a great source of chill if we use them right, and a prime example of that are meditation apps like Calm and Headspace, which can teach us how to sit down, close our eyes and just follow our breath for a while, giving our thoughts no mind and allowing ourselves to just be. It might sound a bit airy-fairy or a bit pointless, but trust me, if you give it a try and you do it every day, even if just for a few minutes, you will soon notice that you feel a lot more chilled throughout the day, even when things get hectic.
You may, of course, explore content that suits you. Finding your chill often comes from activities, but it will also come from what you choose to consume each day. There are so many online spaces dedicated to helping people relax and learn about stress relief. There will be something out there to help you unwind. For instance, a good vape blog can offer insight into those who like to relax with a vaporiser. Some people might like the idea of knowing more about ASMR. By exploring content that resonates with you, you can help expand your stash of relaxing inspiration. From calm playlists to guided meditations, there’s plenty to go around.
3. Just Breathe
Yes, finding your chill really can be that simple. The simple act of breathing has long been studied as a means of relaxation and there is tons of evidence to be found that it is effective, but you don’t have to take my word for it – you can try it out yourself. Wherever you are right now, stop for a moment, close your eyes and just breathe. Breathe in for a count of four in, hold for seven then breathe out for a count of eight. Repeat as often as you like, You will soon notice that you feel much calmer and more able to take on the day once you get back to it.
4. Get Some Herbal Help
Nature is an amazing healer and there are many herbs that may be able to help you find your chill. For example, studies have shown that inhaled lavender essential oil can soothe your system and help you to feel more calm and relaxed. Some people find that chamomile tea has a similar effect. And of course, lots of people use CBD and cannabis flower products to help them chill out and relax, too. It might be a bit of trial and error to see what works for you, but herbal helpers are the real deal.
5. Let Nature Nurture
Of course, you don’t actually have to harvest nature’s bounty to find more chill in your life – you just have to get out and enjoy the sights, sounds and smells of nature to calm your mind and give you some headspace from the hustle and bustle of modern life.
Studies have shown that spending time in nature, whether it’s at a local park or off in the wilderness of a sprawling national park, has the power to lower heart rate, reduce stress levels, help to manage depression, and much more besides. Nature heals, but you have to let it by putting on your walking shoes and getting out there!
6. Get Physical
Speaking of walking, did you know that physical exercise is one of the best stress busters there is? Oh, and if you’re groaning right now, don’t because you don’t have to hit the gym hard or spend hours pounding the pavement to see results – even a brisk walk or a few minutes dancing around your kitchen counts, and will help you to sweat out all of that stress that’s been building up in you. Give it a try!
7. Switch It Off
Unless you’re using your phone for finding your chill with a medication app or guided breathing exercise, then maybe turn it off for a little while. Why? Because that little rectangle in your pocket is the source of a whole lot of stress, whether it’s showing you the latest horrific headlines, allowing you to compare yourself unfavorably to your peers, or just keeping you endlessly scrolling through social media. Spending some time away from it each day and being more present in the real world, could be one of the best decisions you ever make.
8. Connect with People
Instead of connecting with strangers online, get out into the real world and connect with people you know and love, or make new friends within your community. We humans need connection, and we need it to be physical and real if we want to truly relax and de-stress. If you can find a way to laugh with others, then that will be even better for you because laughing will release lots of feel-good hormones.
As you can see, finding your chill in the hectic modern world is actually pretty simple, but you have to be willing to let go of all the things that are causing you stress, at least for a little while, and make the changes that will see results.
