15 Relaxation Techniques To Help You De-stress
Try Out My Relaxation Techniques for Stress and Anxiety
Last year I was asked what I do to relax and replied by saying that I go to the beach. All weekend. Yes, fair enough, but this question made me think about what more I can do to thank my body, and focus more on my health – just going to the beach is not going to cut it. I started thinking about what relaxation techniques can work with my body and how each of these techniques can play such an important role in my overall health improvement.
Relaxation techniques and exercises can help you reduce stress and anxiety, improve your mood, and even boost your immune system. We just need to take the time from our busy lives to find out which techniques work best for us.
So I’ve decided to continue last years resolutions into 2023, by continuing to do more to look after my heath. By being mindful of my body’s functions, or lack thereof, I’m going to be implementing these 15 relaxation techniques into my every day/monthly routine, even if it’s the smallest de-stress technique, collectively, they may make the biggest positive impact on my overall health.
These are my 15 relaxation techniques that help me de-stress and relax my mind and body.
Benefits Of Using Relaxation Techniques for Stress and Anxiety
1.) Body Stress Release 
Here’s to trying new things!
Body Stress Release is something very new to me, as I have only been for 2 sessions, and have already booked my next appointment!
It isn’t for everyone, which I completely understand. Some may say it feels like you are being tickled or poked and a massage would be preferable. But the point of BSR is to not massage, but for a very gentle hands on technique.
My BSR practitioner, Ingeborg, activates the body to release stress by applying light and firm pressure to key areas on the body, stimulating the nervous system and body’s self healing response.
For those remote workers who are sitting in front of a computer all day and struggle with headaches and body pain, I’d highly recommend going for at least 3 sessions to see if this helps you.
This form of self-care will make you feel so relaxed afterwards, trust me 🙂
2.) Pedicure
Life Day Spa, I am coming for you 🙂
Lauren and I have been going to the Life Day Spa for many years, but mainly for massages (the 60 minute Swedish Massage is a must). Recently we have decided to go there for our pedicures and love all the colour options, as well as the therapists.
The pedicure room is a more private room, which can accommodate 4 people and is away from the reception and massage rooms.
Gentle calming music is played in the background and one hopes for the best that the other clients have earphones in and aren’t open to chatting 😉
Pedi on repeat with Vanessa and Ashleigh!
3.) Facial
Dermalogica is my new best friend!
Over the years, we have tried many face products and have never been 100% happy with any of them.
I asked my previous therapist advice and tips on the product lines and she couldn’t tell me… and I get why. Some stockists stock hundreds of items, how is it possible to know each product in detail?
So, I decided to find a face product where there is a physical shop and a place which is dedicated entirely to one brand. I also listened to a podcast on Spotify that featured the founder of Dermalogica, Jane Wurwand, and was highly intrigued to know more about her and her product line.
That is when I found Dermalogica.
The Tygervalley store is my go to place and I’ve been booking monthly facials with our lovely Kelly. I love this relaxation technique & my skin loves it too! Glowing skin afterwards is a win.
There’s a variety of facial options to choose from and we love that Kelly customises our treatment according to our skin type and budget. Not everyone has the same skin type and money in the bank at the end of the month 
For example, Lauren and I don’t use the same facial products and have different treatments, as our skin types aren’t the same and have different concerns.
4.) Candles
There is something about the scent & ambiance candles give, that is so calming for me.
Whenever I am feeling stressed or overwhelmed, I light my candles, put my feet up and go into complete relaxation mode. This is one of my all time favourite ways to de-stress and you’ll often find me reading a book with my candle flame dancing in the breeze.
Candles became a big part of my afternoon routine while living in Sweden, as it lifted the mood during the darker winter months. My favourite scent of all times in the Rose Essential Oil.
Another plus, there is nothing better than walking into someone’s home where they have lovely scented candles on display and it freshens up the entire space.
Fun Fact: I know how to make candles and have all the ingredients at home 😀
5.) Walk breaks during work(to the park)
(to the park)Working 8 hours a day in my new corporate role is something I took some time to adjust into and realized the hard way that I needed to move more frequently and find out what worked better for my body.
With my previous role in the classroom, I had plenty running around here and there (my fellow teacher friends will understand and have chuckle at this). I could stand and walk around the classroom and school all day, whereas my current role has completely changed to sitting on my computer most of the day.
After listening to my body not enjoy sitting all day, I decided to move more and get the blood flowing through my muscles.
Walking to the park opposite my office block works wonders for me to de stress, create a calm setting and go back to work feeling refreshed.
I am one for being outdoors and in nature and love adding to my step count by going to the park. My colleagues call it ‘Julia’s Park’ when I disappear on my daily walks 
Not only am I getting my steps in, studies show that taking a brisk walk outdoors reduces blood pressure and improves your mood. If I don’t get up and move, I feel my body needing to be outside and breathing in the fresh ocean air.
6.) Beach walks
Melkbos here I come!
Wildlife, travel and nature are our three pillars in our travel blog, as you will find me at the beach nearly every weekend, even in the winter.
Putting my feet in the sand is very therapeutic and definitely grounds me. Anyone else feel like this?
When the weather is on the hotter side, I also like having an icy ocean dip, and studies show it’s very good for your overall health too. The icy feeling goes away after some time, but it’s totally worth it afterwards. You’ll understand this once you try it 
7.) Less screen time
We don’t need to be on our phones 24/7.
It’s actually crazy how much time we spend staring at technology – whether it be a laptop, tv or cellphone.
Load shedding has helped with me having less screen time. No power, means minimal cell service, which is probably the one positive with load shedding.
I think we should take a moment to think about how much time we spend on technology each day and make a few changes going forward.
Load shedding makes us get off the couch every time the power goes out and made us become more creative when looking for a remote work places in Cape Town.
Posture and devices. Sitting for such long hours on mobile devices effects your posture and creates unwanted neck and back pain. Be mindful at how your neck is angled down while working on a device and if you’re sitting incorrectly at your desk.
After going to physio for neck and back spasms, the physio showed me the importance of posture on a day to day basis.
Remember to sit in a comfortable work chair, raised screen, correct arm posture and both feet flat on the floor (not up on the chair and you sitting on your leg – guilty) and your screen at eye level.
These small changes can make a world of a difference!
8.) Cuddle a dog
I don’t have pets, but can I hug yours?
Asking in advance, if you have a pet, I might be hugging it.
Being at the beach or in nature, we’re always waiting for the Golden Retrievers to come up to us for cuddles! We used to have our own Golden, Storm, who was an absolute pleasure. She would go with us everywhere, loved the beach, coffee shops and humans coming up to her.
She had such a calming nature and knew when it was the right time to come waddling in for some attention. We unfortunately had to say goodbye to her in Jan 2021, so for now, we’ll be taking all the cuddles from your dog 
9.) Yoga
Another new relaxation technique added to my list.
I was never one for doing yoga, but recently learnt about the benefits it can have on one’s body and now I am ready for scheduling in those yoga sessions!
A few benefits of yoga:
- Improved strength and toning
- Improved flexibility
- Improved muscle pain
- Calming
- Improved metabolism
- Improved sleep patterns
10.) Horse riding
Thanks to our cousin who started a horse riding school, Mzansi Equestrian, in Tokai. The Instagram page is @mzansi_equestrian for those who are keen to try out something new.
It is so therapeutic riding on horseback through the Tokai Forest in an intimate group setting. The freshness of the forest air, the motion of being on horseback and the views are just so spectacular.
I am totally going to be making this a regular part of my relaxation techniques. Just need to remind myself to take antihistamines 😉
If you’d like to join us, let us know!
11.) Gym
Let’s goooo!
New gym contract, who this! I actually cancelled my gym contract before I was meant to leave for Sweden… Alas, I got over my sadness, reopened my account and ready to hit the gym.
So good to get the blood flowing through the body and get those muscles moving. Many times I have gone to the gym after a hectic work day and end up feeling so much better afterwards. Get those endorphins going!
I really enjoy walking on an incline on the treadmill for 30 minutes and head to the studio to do some weights too. A bit late for the summer body, but we will try again for next summer – OR Europe summer 2023 in 6 months time!
12.) Journal
Writing down how I feel at the end of every day and what I’m grateful for, puts my life into perspective and for me to see how far I’ve come. For example, I journaled and manifested getting my current role and I am now working in it. So every time I have a hiccup or struggle with something at work, I can read back to when I dreamed I was working in this role and somewhat makes me forget about the small things. Has this happened to you as well??
Going back to candles, writing in your journal by candle light, is one of the most therapeutic things you can do for yourself. If you struggle to sleep at night, this can help you clear your mind of everything and relax your brain to hopefully have a well rested night.
13.) Breath work
The importance of breathing. And not just breathing like most people do. Take deep breathes every day where you breathe in through your nose, get the air into your lungs, expand your lungs and breathe out through your mouth.
During my Body Stress Release sessions, I have learnt the importance and benefits of breath work.
14.) Road trips
Something we love doing! And do it so often 🙂
It doesn’t have to be a road trip to Johannesburg, it can be a mini road trip to Melkbosstrand. We often travel this route over the weekends and will one day be living in Melkbos (manifesting again!), but for now it will be a part of our weekend relaxation techniques.
Franschhoek is another one of our go to road trip destinations. If you are looking for accommodation in Franschhoek, these are our suggestions.
Good music, hitting the road & coffee stop = best
15.) Read my book 📖
I have become a bookstore. I love buying new books from Exclusive Books and enjoy diving into them over the weekend.
My latest read was Children of Sugarcane and I loved finishing it over the summer break. I have already forced a friend to read it, because it was just so good! Have any recommendations for my next read?
Have you ever read a book while sitting in a hammock? Now that’s relaxing. I have a hammock in the garden which is one of my reading spots. Reading calms my mind, makes me super relaxed and I hone in on the lives of the characters. Majority of the time, I tend to have a little nap after reading a few chapters
Find Relaxation Techniques That Work For You
Of course I would love a vacation 4 times a year to de-stress on a tropical island for a month at a time, but let’s be real here.
That isn’t real life. Or could it be… goals!
On a daily/monthly basis, try out the relaxing techniques you’re interested in and see how this helps your body.
I’d love to know which one of these 15 relaxation techniques you are going to try out and how you feel afterwards, whether it be a complete mood change, less anxiety, feeling healthier or any other changes you’re feeling.
Julia x