When was the last time you felt completely relaxed? For many of us, we are so busy plugging along that we forget to take time to unwind and step away from work. Even when we’re on annual leave, there can be a niggling feeling that we should check our inbox.

So, how do you fully unwind, have a break from work mode and allow yourself to be present in the moment?

August 15th is National Relaxation Day so we are here to highlight the importance of downtime. We’ll share the ways you can support yourself and your colleagues, prioritizing your mental and physical health.

The Benefits of Relaxation

Relaxation looks different for everyone but no matter how you like to chill out, the benefits of quality downtime are significant. Downtime or ‘idle time’ is time spent alone, without any distractions or stimulants (1). Yet, we are so used to pairing our typical downtime activities with technology.

For example, we go on a morning walk listening to podcasts or take a relaxing shower with music blasting. When we aren’t at work, we are still stimulated by technology, firing up our brains continuously.

But when we create ‘idle time’ for ourselves we are reaching the full benefits of relaxation. We can better manage stress levels, refresh our mental capacity and reduce the possibility of illness (2).

We spend up to half our work days receiving new data, meaning we need downtime to process it. Downtime helps our brain’s default mode consolidate information and solve problems (1). A regular relaxation process can also help lower blood pressure, tension, and stress levels, allowing us to regulate our nervous system in a way that helps protects our mental and physical health from stress-related illnesses (3).

5 Ways to Unwind + Relax

1. Practice breathing. Try out breathwork techniques to recentre and connect to your breath.
2. Journal or jot down your thoughts. This helps clear your mind, connect with your emotions, and feel calmer.
3. This is one of the best ways to truly unwind and get into a deep state of relaxation. Use a guided meditation audio or try to sit in quiet and observe your thoughts.
4. Visualize yourself having a relaxing experience and feel into the emotions to create a calming state.
5. Take a walk in nature, without technology. Embrace the quietness around you and use this as a meditative, relaxing practice.

How to Celebrate National Relaxation Day at Work

Relaxation tools and practices are great to help you and your colleagues unwind and lower stress levels. But how else can you celebrate national relaxation day at work?

At Each Person, we offer e-cards and vouchers for employers to send out to their people and commend their efforts and show appreciation.

Our innovative rewards and recognition platform gives your people a whole variety of experiences and rewards to choose from. Encourage teams to use their vouchers for a relaxing treat. They could choose from self-care products, spa break vouchers or even restaurant vouchers, avoiding the stress of deciding what to have for dinner!

Ready to invest in your people and embrace the benefits of rest of relaxation outside of the office? Get in touch with us and see how we can support your people today.

Ellie Pinder

1 - The Scientic Case for Downtime - Psychology Today -https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/blog/play-your-way-sane/202201/the-scientific-case-downtime2 - The Importance of relaxing after work - Performance Magazinehttps://www.performancemagazine.org/the-importance-of-relaxing-after-work/