You deserve to treat yourself to a little R&R after a long week at work, so we wanted to highlight some of our favorite relaxation techniques that help us unwind and recharge. Aside from a long hike outdoors or a night by a campfire (psst, check out our upcoming workshop!), we like to incorporate some daily practices that help us stay focused and productive. Here are some that have helped us stay energized and ready to conquer the next challenge ahead:

Fill your home with indoor plants. According to a study conducted by the US National Library of Medicine National Institutes of Health, “active interaction with indoor plants can reduce physiological and psychological stress compared with mental work. This is accomplished through suppression of sympathetic nervous system activity and diastolic blood pressure and promotion of comfortable, soothed, and natural feelings”.

Eat a banana. These delicious, healthy snacks contain tryptophan, which is an essential building block for serotonin. Serotonin being an impactful chemical and neurotransmitter in our body is thought to be directly correlated with our moods, so by eating a banana and giving yourself a little dose of tryptophan, you’re igniting a much bigger process that will help you relax and feel better.

Visualize yourself stress-free with autogenic relaxation. The term autogenic is defined as something coming from within you. Close your eyes and picture a calming setting and really focus on your breath. Zoning in on just one or two easy-moving thoughts will help you return to a more peaceful state. We prefer to envision ourselves kicked back in our Kammock hammock on a beach somewhere without cell service, but you do you.

Progressive muscle relaxation. Intentionally tighten and relax specific muscles one at a time. Focusing on this process will help you better understand stress points throughout your body and will relieve your muscles of the built-up tension that had previously gone unattended to.