5 of the best ways to relax after a super hectic day
Because everyone needs a little bit of ‘me’ time
When you’re spending your days slogging it out at your computer, trying to make it to the gym and squeezing in social commitments, stress is just a given. And if you find it difficult to shut out distractions (hello, phone) and rest your mind after a long, busy day, you’re not alone.
While you can’t magically banish your stress without making some lifestyle changes, there are a few quick and easy beauty tricks that can help relieve tension and soothe the mind. Remember, taking time to switch off and finding a gentle way to re-focus is super important for your overall health and wellbeing.
To help you get started, we’ve rounded up five of the best ways to relieve tension and anxiety and enjoy some well-earned ‘me’ time.
When you’re spending your days slogging it out at your computer, trying to make it to the gym and squeezing in social commitments, stress is just a given. And if you find it difficult to shut out distractions (hello, phone) and rest your mind after a long, busy day, you’re not alone.
While you can’t magically banish your stress without making some lifestyle changes, there are a few quick and easy beauty tricks that can help relieve tension and soothe the mind. Remember, taking time to switch off and finding a gentle way to re-focus is super important for your overall health and wellbeing.
To help you get started, we’ve rounded up five of the best ways to relieve tension and anxiety and enjoy some well-earned ‘me’ time.
1
Massage your skin
A calming massage is hands-down one of the best ways to unwind and de-stress after a hectic day. And while it’s not feasible to see a professional masseuse on the regular, self-massaging can have a whole load of benefits. It’s not only an essential tool to help reverse the body’s reaction to strain (ahem, those tense areas in your shoulders and neck), but it can also help improve both mood and sleep quality – meaning a more refreshed you. Step up your usual nighttime moisturising sesh by adding in a massaging motion with Jergens Oil-Infused Nourishing Honey Moisturiser as you apply your lotion from head to toe. Besides the fact that the luxurious formula will feel great to massage into your skin, the nourishing blend of oils will work behind-the-scenes to lock in moisture and tackle those dull, dry areas, meaning your skin will look and feel amazing. But beyond that, it smells heavenly. The delicate and soothing scent of honey is a whole sensorial experience in itself, and will have you feeling relaxed in an instant.
2
Light a scented candle
Studies have shown that aromatherapy has an effect on brainwaves and can actually alter your mood and behaviour. So, scented candles are the perfect aid for stress-relief. While there are plenty of calming scents to choose from, we suggest looking for notes like lavender and rosemary. They both promote feelings of contentment, improved cognitive performance and mood, are said to reduce cortisol levels (a hormone associated with stress), and they will help you sleep better.
3
Take a long bath
While we all know that taking a long soak in a warm bath can have an instant calming effect on both the mind and body, you may not know that adding Epsom salts (aka magnesium sulfate) into the mix can offer other serious benefits like relieving tension. Stress drains the body of magnesium, but we need magnesium to reduce inflammation and support nerve and muscle function. When you sit in warm bath with dissolved Epsom salt you absorb some of the magnesium through you skin, which releases the tension from your tired, achy muscles. Epsom salts also increases energy, reduces irritability and improves your sleep and concentration.
4
Use a facial crystal roller
Who needs a professional facial when you can use a crystal facial roller to banish tense facial muscles and restore your glow at the same time. From relaxing to alleviating tension in the skin, incorporating a facial massage tool into your daily beauty routine is a one-way ticket to stress-busting. We suggest looking into crystal rollers made from jade stone, to reap its revitalising benefits, which help to cool and soothe the skin. On a side note, they’re also supposed to be the best stones for healing and calming the nervous system, while strengthening the chi or your life force. We’ll definitely take some of that.
5
Put on a face mask
Fact: A face mask fixes *everything*. While face masks are the perfect skin care treatment to help hydrate the skin, remove excess oils and unclog pores, they can also be used as a therapeutic method to ease emotional strain and pressure. Look for a formula infused with handy essential oils such as mint, coconut oil, and rosemary, which can help rejuvenate, calm and soothe a busy mind. The bright, glowing skin you’ll have after applying one is just an added bonus!
Looking to step up your relaxation game? Check out our top tips for practicing mediation.
Main image credit: @shaninamshaik
Erin Docherty is a Beauty Writer for BEAUTYcrew, Beauty Editor for Women's Health magazine and a Grooming Writer for Men's Health magazine. She has a keen interest in cosmeceutical skin care and is currently working on minimising her 9-step skin care routine – because ain’t nobody got time for that. When she’s not writing about the latest beauty news, or applying copious amounts of serum, you can find her spending all her money in Sephora.
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