When you want to relax, sometimes it is not about resting but actually about being more active. Gentle exercises like yoga and walking can actually promote more relaxation and are highly recommended as part of your routine. In fact, many practitioners of Functional Medicine Los Angeles suggest incorporating movement into daily life to support overall well-being.
1. Walking
Get outside and go for a walk to relax! Believe it or not, many physical activities double as relaxation techniques, not only for your mental and emotional health but your physical well-being as well. Walking is great because it will cost you nothing and can be done just about anywhere, at any time. It is a wonderful way to get outside for sunshine and fresh air, and you can walk in your own neighborhood or head somewhere more scenic to walk. You can walk alone or with friends and family, so there are many options available.
2. Yoga
When it comes to relaxing physical activities, yoga is definitely one of the best. This allows you to stretch and gently move your body while not only strengthening your muscles and core but also helping to calm and relax your mind. You will focus on breathing during yoga, along with making each move very slowly and succinctly, so it works great for relaxation as much as the physical benefits. If you are new to yoga, start with a gentle yoga stretch and look for styles of yoga for beginners, such as Hatha, vinyasa, and restorative yoga.
3. Tai Chi
With tai chi, you have a gentle exercise where you use slow, flowing movements while also focusing on your breathing exercise. People sometimes call this meditation movement, as you are going in motion while also meditating at the same time. It is the ultimate physical activity to promote peace and calm. Many individuals who explore functional medicine Van Nuys incorporate tai chi into their wellness routine, as it promotes relaxation, balance, and stress reduction.
4. Stretching
When you just need something very relaxing to do but also want to move your body, you can do a simple stretch routine. As with other habits on this list, you can use a guide on YouTube and follow along with someone else’s stretch routine or simply create your own.
5. Outdoor Exercise
Any time you can get outside to exercise is a great way to calm and relax your mind and body. You get the added benefits of sunshine and vitamin D, along with fresh air and scenery. In addition to walking outside, you can go on a hike, participate in water sports, garden, or head somewhere local that is outside, like a zoo or botanical garden. Many people who follow functional medicine Burbank find that spending time in nature enhances their overall well-being and reduces stress levels.