It seems like relaxing is something everyone should be able to do, but those of us who are constantly stressed, are workaholics, or have certain health issues don't have an easy "off" switch. Relaxation is something we actually have to learn and practice, much like happiness. And, like happiness, learning to relax is extremely important for your health and well-being. Let's take a look at the ways we can beat chronic tension and finally slow down.


Deal with the Common Causes of Daily Stress


The first thing to examine is if your lifestyle is interfering with your ability to relax. We all get stressed out now and again, but a bad work environment, fights at home, money problems, and even clutter around you can keep you constantly on "high alert." It's hard to relax when something's constantly nagging at you—whether it's at the back of your mind or you're well aware of the stressors.

On the other hand, maybe it's not external causes that are keeping you tense but your own values or personality. The Wall Street Journal notes that about one-quarter of the population could be classified as a workaholic, and about 3% of the population even gets sick when they attempt to relax on vacation. Stress has become a habit:

For some people, the withdrawal of stress can be similar to withdrawing from steroids—including changes in glucose metabolism and dramatic mood swings, says Conor Liston, a psychiatry resident at Weill Medical College in New York City who was the lead investigator of a brain study on stress. Other people seem to get so addicted to the adrenaline rush from stress that they gravitate to high-pressure jobs and keep piling on new challenges; some subconsciously push deadlines and complicate projects, creating stress unnecessarily. Put someone like that on a beach for a week, and it's no wonder they can't relax. For them, the best vacations involve physical or mental stimulation, anything from hang-gliding to culinary classes.


Relaxation strategies for daily stress:


We'll go over more specific relaxation techniques below, but dealing with reasons for any chronic stress is a good start.

Learn How to Take Proper Breaks


Taking breaks is the key to avoiding burnout, but some of us don't really "break" even when we say we're going to. In the back of our minds, we might still be thinking about work or doing things that are work but don't look like it (e.g., checking email on our phones).

To take a real break, you need to become comfortable with doing "nothing"—like just drinking a cup of tea and looking out the window or sitting on a park bench without feeling like you should be somewhere else.


Relaxation strategies for work:


Make Relaxation a Habit


Different activities are more relaxing than others, depending on your personality. Maybe sitting in front of the TV isn't the best way for you to unwind—maybe you'd be more relaxed while gardening or writing. If classic techniques for relaxing aren't working for you, try something new.

Relaxation strategies for the long-term:


See a Professional for Underlying Mental or Physical Issues

If you have an anxiety disorder, ADHD, or other medical concern and you still feel you never can really relax, seek out help from a doctor. A medical professional would better be able to find the reasons why you're having a hard time relaxing and offer therapy or other solutions to finally get the relaxation you need.


Photos by topgold , Claus Rebler , okano .