26 Sep How can I slow down?

In our fast-paced world, being busy is often celebrated as a badge of honor. We juggle work, family, volunteering, fitness goals, and social media updates like pros, proudly wearing our exhaustion like a medal. “I’ll sleep when I die,” a friend once declared. But as we revel in our hyper-connected lives, it’s crucial to pause and reflect on the toll it takes on our well-being and relationships.

When was the last time you simply savored a cup of coffee in quiet solitude, without any distractions? Can you recall the last occasion you let the dishes pile up while indulging in a card game with your kids? Or when you strolled to the park with your favorite book in hand, ready to escape into its pages? It’s possible that these moments of pure relaxation are becoming increasingly rare.

As dietitian nutritionists, we encounter the “busy” phenomenon daily. Our patients meticulously allocate time for every aspect of their lives, except for one crucial thing – relaxation. Have you ever switched off and truly given yourself permission to relax, without that nagging sense of guilt?

Relaxation, recuperation, and slowing down are not indulgences; they are acts of self-preservation. We believe that not only what you eat but how you eat makes a difference in your health and well-being. That means you need to stop and eat. Today, we’re going off-course with this blog post to provide you with a few valuable tips to incorporate relaxation into your life. We can almost sense the restlessness creeping in as you read this, thinking, “Who has the time?” Well, let’s make the time.

1. Understand the Importance of Relaxation: It’s crucial to recognize that good sleep and relaxation are not luxuries; they are essential for muscle recovery, maintaining glycogen synthesis, reducing stress, and overall well-being. Your body needs rest just as much as it needs food; don’t dismiss its biological demands.
2. Put on Your Relaxation Vest: Consider this quirky but effective idea. Just as Search & Rescue dogs have vests that signal their tasks, you can designate an article of clothing as your “relaxation vest.” When you wear it, you signal to yourself that it’s time to unwind and let go.
3. Schedule It: While scheduling relaxation may seem counterintuitive, it’s an effective way to make it a habit. Whether it’s a few minutes before work, during your lunch break, or when your kids return from school, block off time to relax and immerse yourself in the moment.
4. Slow Is Sustainable: We often treat our bodies with less care than our smartphones. Eating on the go or mindlessly is not sustainable in the long run. Nourishing yourself thoughtfully and taking time to savor your meals can lead to a healthier and more balanced life.

You might find this blog post a bit unconventional coming from a team of dietitians. Everything we do is related to health and wellness, and we believe if you’re taking the time to take time, then you’ll eat better and be healthier. Relaxation isn’t laziness; it’s an act of mindfulness towards your body’s needs and cues.

Inhale. Exhale. Relax. If just for today!