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Everyday life is filled with intense pressure and overwhelming responsibility. You can get so lost in the busyness of the day that it feels non-stop, like there's not much of a break or moment to strip down and just be! Have you ever been told to unwind? Or have you said to yourself before "I just want/need to unwind"? Even if the answer is no, you would have definitely heard the word 'Unwind'. But if you get frequent feelings of irritation, feel fatigued and mentally tired
So what does it actually mean to 'Unwind'?
To unwind is to relax, especially after a long period of tension or work activity. It is necessary to unwind when you have overworked your body and mind. Additionally, unwinding is about relaxing, loosening up and resting, to be able to do this it takes pausing on all the activity and detaching from everything you ‘need to do’
Research shows that relaxation significantly contributes to a healthier heart, less stress, reduced muscular tension, improvement in brain functioning and memory.
Unwinding can also include doing more pleasurable activities that refuel you with more positive energy to continue with all the daily tasks required of you. In fact that's the role of dopamine, also known as the "Feel good" chemical responsible for allowing you to feel pleasure, satisfaction and motivation.
Moreover, Serotonin, oxytocin and endorphins are also brain chemicals which, when released significantly reduce stress and enhance feelings of happiness, love and pleasure, they are referred to as 'Happy Hormones'. Endorphins in particular are activated by exercise and sex with natural opiate-like properties that can help to reduce pain and regulate mood. Research has shown that physical touch such as caressing, hugging, and holding hands can trigger oxytocin release. One study involving women found more hugs with their romantic partner was associated with higher oxytocin levels.
Unwinding is very much about doing the activities which release these chemicals, everybody needs moments of unwinding, especially when experiencing tiredness/fatigue, irritation or when there is constant activity with no rest. However the specific activities are personal to you and this can be figured out by filling in the blanks:
- I feel more relaxed when ………………………………………………….
- What really brings a smile to my face is …………………………………
- I feel less stressed when ………………………………………
- The things that make me laugh are ……………………………………..
Filling in the blanks above may take some time, especially if you’ve never thought of such, but take your time and think, it is important that the answers come from within.
Stress can cause muscles to tense up and over time can lead to pain and soreness in virtually any part of the body
No1 rule to unwinding
Unwinding is for everyone! - it is the moment, time and space where you neglect and detach from all pressure, expectation and responsibility! You first have to agree that unwinding is important to your holistic health. So take moments to slow down, de-stress, moments can last from 5 minutes to an hour. Remember it’s personal
Take off the mask and be your complete and total self - be who you are without the many hats you wear and different roles you fulfil.
