The Lost Art Of Relaxation

The idea that we can just stop what we’re doing, chill out and enjoy our lives seems as unlikely as winning the lottery. The pressures of work and life are so extreme that any moment spent in peace feels like a waste. If you’re not moving towards your goals, you’re somehow failing in your duty as a human being. 

This perspective is tragic for many reasons. But the main issue is that fact that you never really get to revel in the fruits of all your hard work. You’re always on the go, so you don’t have time to step back and spend quality time doing something life-affirming that makes it all worthwhile. 

Look at how most people live their lives. They flip between distracting themselves with work and distracting themselves with things like trivia, TV, friends or incessant dating. 

Sometimes, doing things outside work feels like relaxation, but often it leaves you feeling even more anxious than before. Then, when you awake the next day, you have to take it all on all over again. 

So, what counts as true relaxation? And what’s the difference between it and your normal schedule? 

Going Outside Without A Device

Photo by James Wheeler 

The problem with modern smartphones is very real. They continually drip-feed us affirmations from friends, family, and social media. And many of us continually check out phones to get that next “hit.” 

Hop on any addiction website, and you’ll soon discover that this is a common co-occurring addiction that runs alongside many traditional substance abuse disorders. 

Going outside without a device, therefore, is something that you can do to ensure that you’re getting the rest that you need. The more that you can take time out from your connected devices, the less you’ll depend on them for that next chunk of dopamine. 

Being Present In A Non-Work Activity

It’s usually easy to be present in your work activities. You’re under massive pressure to perform, so you can’t afford to let your mind wander. 

When you’re at the park or the beach, though, that same stress doesn’t apply. You can think about pretty much whatever you like, and it won’t affect your capacity to earn money. 

The problem is that most people do, and it destroys their capacity to have a good time. 

Being present in a non-work activity means doing something simple and not letting your mind wander onto things that don’t involve what you’re doing right now. For instance, if you’re at the beach on Sunday, you want to avoid thinking about all the pressures you’ll face at the office on Monday morning.

Allowing Yourself To Do Nothing

Finally, a lot of people need to practice allowing themselves to do nothing. We’re so primed to always be on the go that we find it difficult to switch off and be deliberately unproductive. 

Doing nothing is a real art and takes practice if you’re not used to it. It’s something that you need to include in your life if you want it to be more fulfilling. 
 

Next up, How Your Smartphone is Ruining Your Relationship