15 Easy Ways to Relax Right Now

May 13

You don’t have to do all 15. Just start with one. Your nervous system will thank you.

How do you feel when someone tells you to relax?

Many of us were raised with the idea that rest equals laziness. Yet research shows that chronic stress weakens our immune system and contributes to illness. Relaxation isn’t just a luxury—it’s essential to your well-being.

Try any of these 15 methods for just 10 days and notice the shift in your body, mood, and mind.

🌬️ Breath-Based Techniques

1. Four-Count Breath: Inhale 4 counts – hold – exhale 4 counts – hold. Repeat.
2. Ten-Count Awareness: Count 10 full breaths. If you lose track, start over.
3. BodyBreath: Imagine breath moving up through your arms, then down through your body.
4. PeaceBreath: Inhale peace (head to toes), exhale tension (toes to head).

💬 Sound and Voice

5. Groan It Out: Groan for 5 minutes (yes, really!).
6. Laugh Break: Laugh nonstop for 5 minutes—it’s contagious and healing.
7. Concentration Sounds: Repeat words ending in “m” or “n” (like “calm” or “one”) slowly.

🧘 Body Awareness

8. Progressive Relaxation: Tense and release muscles from toes to face.
9. Autogenic Training: Focus warmth and breath into each body part.

🐾 External Support

10. Pet Therapy: Sit quietly and pet an animal. Let their calm become yours.
11. Music: Listen to rhythmic, melody-free sounds (like ocean waves or wind).

🌿 Mental Imagery

12. Self-Imagery: Mentally visit a calming place you love.
13. Guided Imagery: Use recordings that guide you through peaceful scenes.

🧘‍♀️ Mindfulness & Spirit

14. Mindfulness: Focus on your breath. Let thoughts pass without grabbing them.
15. Affirmations or Prayer: Repeat soothing phrases or spiritual verses.

🌟 Try This:

Choose one or two methods and commit for the next 10 days. Your nervous system will thank you.

“By learning to relax, you can accomplish more, live longer, and feel genuinely happier.”

JIll Henry, EdD

About Jill Newman Henry, EdD

Jill Newman Henry, EdD, is an educator, author, and lifelong explorer of well-being, blending expertise in physical therapy, adult education, and metaphysics. Beginning her career as a physical therapist, she soon discovered her passion for teaching and embraced a learner-centered approach, studying under Dr. Malcolm Knowles and applying Total Quality Management (TQM) principles with Dr. W. Edwards Deming.

Her journey into meditation and metaphysics led her and her husband, Charlie, to open The Relaxation Station, their town’s first metaphysical bookstore. Later, they established Mountain Valley Center in the Smoky Mountains, creating a healing space with a public labyrinth and an online platform, www.MountainValleyCenter.com, where Jill shares insights on energy, chakras, and meditation. These experiences inspired her books, Energy Source Book and Well-Being, both published by Llewellyn, which offered practical exercises for healing and balance.

A sought-after facilitator, Jill works with professionals across disciplines to design engaging, learner-centered programs. Now, she expands her mission with www.FeeltheFlowNow.com, providing transformative publications and services. Her work is a testament to the power of intuition, change, and embracing the flow of energy in life’s unfolding journey.

https://www.feeltheflow.info