International Relaxation Day

Since August 15th, 1985 the United States has celebrated Relaxation Day to emphasize the importance of stress reduction and encourage self-care. What started out as a great idea by 9-year-old Sean Moeller has now expanded to an international level to improve health and wellness worldwide. Being aware of how much stress we're experiencing can help reduce the long-term health effects it can cause.

According to Healthline, "stress is a natural physical and mental reaction to life experiences." It causes the body to release the "fight or flight" hormones adrenaline and cortisol, which elevate the heartrate, breathing, blood pressure, and muscle tension. Our body should return to normal levels when the perceived threat is gone. With chronic stress, though, the persistent hormone elevations can lead to high blood pressure, strokes, heart attacks, high blood sugar, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headaches, back pain, reproductive issues, a weakened immune system, anxiety, depression, and irritability.

There are many different ways to help your body relax. The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) provides scientific, research based information on whole person health and how to integrate various approaches into your daily life. The Mayo Clinic lists many relaxation techniques including autogenic relaxation (combining visual imagery with body awareness), progressive muscle relaxation, visualization, massage, meditation, tai chi, yoga, biofeedback, aromatherapy, and hydrotherapy. In addition, John Hopkins Medicine reviews the health benefits of aroma therapy and gives helpful information about how to choose and use essential oils. The Cleveland Clinic discusses other complementary medicine treatments that include reflexology, chiropractic manipulation, cupping, landscape therapy, animal-assisted therapy, hypnotherapy, prayer therapy, therapeutic touch, reiki, acupuncture, magnets, journal writing, support groups, dietary supplements, and herbal remedies. Mind.org also recommends you step away from a stressful situation, do gentle physical activity, focus on your breathing, do something creative (such as art, dance, or playing an instrument), spend time outdoors enjoying nature, picture yourself somewhere calm, listen to music, and take a break from technology. Reading a self-help book about how to deal with stress is recommended by internationalrelaxationday.com.

Just a few minutes of relaxation each day can improve your health and wellness and reduce your risk of serious medical issues. For additional suggestions and links to products to promote stress reduction and mental wellbeing, please see Nurture Your Whole Self.