3 ways to switch off

While we move to the season of the holidays, long weekends and summer vacation, there are more opportunities to plan rest and relaxation and plan time to "switch off". While we experience a feeling of rejuvenation after a week in the sun or just a few hours in nature, it is no secret that many of us (enclosed me) find it incredibly difficult to "switch off".

whether it is because we work from home (and therefore “live at work”, as many people reported), are constantly connected to our e-mail mailboxes, reflexively check social media or simply have the feeling that we should be relentlessly busy, it has never been so difficult to switch off and get out of the hustle and bustle of life as it is today. As with most difficult things, switching off and really relaxing is one of the most important and beneficial things that we can do for our physical and mental health, and to bring the nervous system back into balance.

calming the senses

Our senses have never been overwritten as today. While our brains and body are still the same as the brains and bodies of the people several thousand years ago, today we experience more "stressors" than people ever had to experience. An overcrowded e-mail mailbox, noise pollution, the pressure, to respond to texts and messages, toxins from processed food and synthetic chemicals as well as the ubiquitous stress of managing the hectic private, professional and social life, means that the nervous system is constantly under stress, and it is urgently needed to renovate. Taking a break to switch off physically, emotionally and mentally can help reduce stress drastically, to strengthen the immune system, to bring hormones back into balance, to improve sleep, to increase the energy level, create a better mood and increase our general well -being. Regardless of whether you fly to exotic countries or ask yourself how you can use your weekends and public holidays, try these three ways to switch off:

1. Digital separate

It is difficult to "switch" metaphorically, unless we literally switch off our digital devices. Every time our phones draw attention to calls and SMS, we experience a distribution of cortisol (the "stress" hormone), which causes us to react as quickly as possible. When we hear these warnings several times a day, we are bathed in an almost constant stream of cortisol, which leads to chronic stress - which can then lead to increased blood pressure, disturbed digestion, sleep problems, suppressed hormone function and reduced vitality. While switching the phone into silent or aircraft mode is a great first step to regain your holy space to switch off, nothing comes close to the literal off of your phone, laptops and all other screens that you are exposed to at home. A weekend, a day or even an hour without technology lets us think about being a true person. Read (link away) Greenberg for 65 device-free activities in bite-sized size, which scientifically proved to promote true happiness and help their eyes to recover from staring to screens, use them (link away) to calm them down in their sleep.

2. Combine yourself with yourself

meditation can help us to connect with ourselves on a lower level, especially if we spend so much of our daily life with concentrating on work and other people. There are many ways to meditate, so take the time to find out which method helps you best. Try a technique from relax and be consciously by Sayadaw U Tejaniya, which contains 31 short chapters to create a month full of meditations for daily life. Switch off during a guided meditation (link removed) or just sit for a few minutes a day and watch your thoughts without judging (link away). If you know that you can be easily distracted during meditation, the (link removed) wrap can help to hide excess light and noise and calm the mind and senses. Many people report a greater feeling of relaxation, clarity, presence and a significant reduction in stress with regular meditation practice.

3. come into the flow state

If you are the type of person who loves nothing more than move your body and feel your heartbeat, you could benefit from a dynamic "movement meditation". Movement is deeply therapeutic for body and mind, helps to reduce stress and release endorphins ("happiness hormones"). If we move in a way that we enjoy, we can also experience a feeling that is known as a "flow state"; A feeling of being completely committed, present and in mind, body and soul. Many people experience the flow state while running, cycling, dancing, climbing, surfing, skiing, swimming or when moving through postures in a yoga course. The key to reaching the flow state is to do something that is challenging enough to keep the mind concentrated, but is pleasant enough so as not to cause stress. Getting into the flow state is associated with more luck, higher intrinsic motivation, greater creativity and better emotional regulation, and finding your flows can help you really "switch off". If you want to find your flow in a yoga class in Vinyasa style, a non-slip mat is essential-you will be amazed at how much more smooth, stronger and non-distraction can be your practice if you are not afraid of slipping! Choose the (link removed) or use the (link removed). To switch off completely in Savasana, we also recommend the (link removed) so that you are rejuvenated, revived and ready to "switch on" again when you are ready.