If you’ve forgotten how to relax, these 8 behaviors might be why

Relaxation is a skill, and just like any other skill, it can be forgotten if not practiced regularly. Sometimes, the very habits we think are helping us cope with stress are actually sabotaging our relaxation efforts.

In my experience, there are certain behaviors that serve as relaxation roadblocks. And the first step towards relaxation is becoming aware of these behaviors, since they’re often so ingrained in our daily lives.

So, if you’re struggling to wind down and relax, you might be tripping over these eight common behaviors. Let’s explore them together.

1) Overthinking every little thing

We’ve all been there. Your mind is in overdrive, analyzing every tiny detail of a situation. This constant mental chatter can be exhausting.

The problem with overthinking is that it ratchets up your stress levels, making relaxation feel like an elusive dream.

Overthinking often leads to anxiety and worry, which in turn make it hard to switch off and unwind. It’s like running a marathon in your mind, leaving you mentally exhausted but physically wired and unable to relax.

The key to overcoming overthinking? Practice mindfulness. By focusing on the present moment, we can train our minds to stop worrying about the past or the future, and start relaxing in the here and now.

So if your brain feels like it’s always switched on, overthinking may be why you can’t seem to relax. But remember: relaxation is a skill that can be learned and practiced.

2) Consuming too much caffeine

We live in a world that runs on coffee and energy drinks. I know I used to be one of those people who couldn’t start my day without a strong cup of coffee. But as I found out, there’s a downside to this caffeine-fueled lifestyle.

Over time, my morning coffee turned into several cups throughout the day. And then I noticed something: I was struggling to relax. Even when I wanted to wind down, my mind and body were still buzzing from the caffeine.

Caffeine is a stimulant that can keep you alert and focused, but it can also interfere with your ability to relax. It can increase your heart rate and make you feel jittery or anxious – the very opposite of relaxation.

When I started limiting my caffeine intake, especially in the afternoon and evening, I definitely noticed a difference in my ability to relax. So if you’re like how I used to be, consuming too much caffeine might be why you’re struggling to relax.

3) Spending too much time on electronic devices

In today’s digital age, it’s become the norm to be constantly connected. But did you know that spending excessive time on electronic devices can interfere with your ability to relax?

The blue light emitted by screens can trick our brains into thinking it’s still daylight, which can disrupt our body’s natural sleep rhythms and make it harder to unwind. Not to mention, the constant barrage of notifications and updates can keep us in a perpetual state of alertness.

So if you’re spending a lot of time glued to your screens, especially in the evening, it might be why you’re finding it hard to relax. Try setting some boundaries for your screen time, especially before bed, and see if it makes a difference.

4) Neglecting physical activity

We often think of relaxation as being a purely mental state, but our physical well-being plays a significant role too. If you’re living a sedentary lifestyle, it might be contributing to your inability to relax.

Physical activity isn’t just good for our bodies, it’s also beneficial for our minds. Exercise triggers the release of endorphins – the body’s natural feel-good hormones – which can help relieve stress and promote relaxation.

Even a brisk walk around the block or a few stretches can make a difference. So if you’ve been skipping out on physical activity, it could be one of the reasons why you’re finding it hard to relax. Start moving and you might just find relaxation follows.

5) Ignoring your emotional wellbeing

In our busy lives, it’s all too easy to push our emotions to the side. We put on a brave face and keep going, even when we’re feeling overwhelmed or stressed. But ignoring your emotional wellbeing can make it much harder to relax.

Feelings of stress, anxiety, or sadness don’t just disappear when we ignore them. Instead, they can build up over time, creating an undercurrent of tension that makes it hard to unwind.

Listening to your emotions and acknowledging how you’re feeling is a crucial part of relaxation. It’s okay to not be okay, and it’s okay to take time for yourself. So if you’ve been ignoring your emotional wellbeing, it might be one of the reasons why relaxation seems out of reach. Remember, your feelings matter and taking care of your emotional health is just as important as any other aspect of your wellbeing.

6) Living in a cluttered space

I’ve always been a bit of a collector, holding on to things ‘just in case’ I might need them one day. But I noticed that my home started to feel more like a storage unit than a sanctuary.

It’s hard to relax when you’re surrounded by clutter. It can create a sense of chaos and overwhelm, making it difficult to find peace and calmness.

When I took the time to declutter and organize my space, I found that it had a profound impact on my ability to relax. A clean, organized environment can promote a sense of calm and tranquility. So if your living space is cluttered, it might be contributing to your struggle to relax. Remember, your environment can have a big impact on your mental state.

7) Multitasking constantly

In our fast-paced world, multitasking can seem like a necessary skill. But constantly juggling multiple tasks at once can leave us feeling frazzled and stressed, making it harder to relax.

When we multitask, we’re not giving our full attention to any one thing. This can lead to mistakes and a sense of never really finishing anything, which can contribute to feelings of stress and overwhelm.

So if you’re always trying to do multiple things at once, it could be one of the reasons why you’re struggling to relax. Try focusing on one task at a time and see if it helps you feel more calm and in control.

8) Forgetting to breathe properly

Breath is life. It’s so fundamental that we often take it for granted. But did you know that the way you breathe can significantly affect your ability to relax?

Shallow, rapid breathing is a common response to stress. But it can keep your body in a state of high alert, making it hard to relax. On the other hand, deep, slow breathing can help activate your body’s relaxation response.

So if you’ve forgotten how to relax, pay attention to your breath. It might seem overly simple, but proper breathing is one of the most effective ways to promote relaxation and reduce stress. So take a moment, take a deep breath, and let relaxation in.

Final thought: It’s all about balance

The ability to relax is deeply intertwined with our lifestyle choices, habits, and behaviors. And it’s often a delicate balance.

Some of these behaviors might seem insignificant or even beneficial in moderation. But when they become a regular part of our lives, they can disrupt this balance and make relaxation seem challenging.

Whether it’s overthinking every detail, consuming too much caffeine, or neglecting our emotional wellbeing, each of these behaviors can influence our ability to unwind and enjoy moments of calm.

Remember, relaxation isn’t a destination but a journey. It’s about making small changes and adjustments in our daily lives that can help us find our individual balance. That balance where we can effortlessly switch off from the world’s hustle and simply be in the moment.

So take some time to reflect on these behaviors. Are they present in your life? If so, how might they be affecting your ability to relax? It’s worth pondering as you move forward on your journey to rediscover the art of relaxation.