Health Benefits of Relaxation

Those of us at H2L understand relaxation is important, why else would we teach and practice yoga, Barre, Pilates or Cycling?  There are many conscious ways to relax.  Do you take time alone to read your favorite book, go for a walk or just get up and dance?  These are all subtle ways to release tension and distract your mind from the stressors of the day.

If those aren’t quite your style try talking to a good friend, stretching, organizing a messy space or giving yourself a massage.  Of course we can feel the difference when we take time to relax, but did you know there are actual health benefits too?  Here are the big benefits that should make us all want to relax! Maybe we’re bias, but we love a good workout class to keep our mind occupied, even if it’s just 45 minutes!

Not sold? Here’s some reasons you should try to take more time for yourself:

-What we all want to hear…relaxing keeps you slim:  Many of us eat more when we are stressed, so taking time to relax and reduce stress can help kick the cravings

-Protects from depression:  Stress kills brain cells and reduces levels of serotonin and dopamine which is linked to depression, relaxing can increase these levels back to normal

-Reduces your risk of stroke:  Relaxing helps you cope with stress and those who are better able to cope with stress have been shown to have a 24% decrease in risk of having a stroke

-Boosts in memory:  Stress hinders the part of the brain responsible for learning and memory, using relaxation to reduce stress will allow this part of the brain to function normally

-Reduce risk of getting a cold:  Relaxation reduces inflammation which allows the immune system to fight viruses

-Protects your heart:  Relaxing reduces your heart rate and blood pressure which reduces your risk of heart attack

Not only can you feel a difference after relaxing, but there are significant benefits occurring inside your body!  Take the time everyday to practice some relaxation techniques so you can better your health and life.

Join us this week, take time for yourself .. you’re mind and body will thank you!!