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“How can I relax my body?”  If you’ve ever felt super stressed, anxious, or burned out, you’ve probably obsessed about this question multiple times. I know I used to. The feeling of constant physical tension can be extremely uncomfortable, and it can make the stress/anxiety/burnout that may have caused it in the first place even worse. This creates a vicious cycle that, over time, can feel increasingly difficult to break.

The good news is, that just like you can train your body to be tense all the time, you can train it to become relaxed again. I personally used to struggle really bad with bodily tension, so I know firsthand that it can be difficult to retrain your body. But trust me when I tell you it’s possible and it’s worht it.

There are many effective techniques you can incorporate into your daily routine to help the process of retraining your body to relax. Below, I’m sharing a list of my favorites – both personally and as a therapist.
Most of the techniques below will become more effective with repetition while others can cause immediate relief. I encourage you to experiment with the ten techniques to find what works for you to help you finally relax your body.

Now, let’s take a look at some of my favorite answers to the question of “How can I relax my body?”

How Can I Relax My Body? – The 10 Best Tecniques

1. Take a Bath

One of the simplest and most effective ways to relax your body is by taking a warm bath. The soothing effect of warm water helps to relax muscles and promote a sense of calm. Adding Epsom salts or essential oils can enhance this experience. I have yet to try Epsom salts for myself, but I did a bit of research and I’m definitely going to try it out;

Epsom salts are rich in magnesium, which helps to reduce inflammation and ease muscle pain. According to this study, a warm bath with Epsom salts can even reduce pain in patients with physical conditions.

Essential oils like lavender, chamomile, and eucalyptus have relaxing properties as well that can help to alleviate stress and tension. Lavender is by far my favorite essential oil, so if you don’t know where to start, lavender is my top recommendation!

To make the most of your bath, try to create a serene environment. For instance, dim the lights and play soft music or sound attunements. This ambiance can help you to fully immerse yourself in the experience and maximize relaxation. It may seem like a bit much, but oftentimes, tension in our bodies is due to a stressed out nervous system. And when it comes to a stressed out nervous system, we really need to go all in and use every tool available to try to relieve tension.

If you live in a small apartment (like I do!) with no bathtub, you can buy a  portable bathtub. I bought one recently that fits perfectly into my shower cabin, and it’s honestly one the best purchases I’ve ever made. Portable bathtubs come in all shapes and sizes, so just be sure to get the right size for your bathroom.

If you want, you can check out one of the most popular and affordable portable bathtubs from Amazon right here!

2. Listen to Sound Attunements / Relaxing Music

Sound attunements and relaxing music can have a profound impact on your body’s ability to relax. Sound attunements involve listening to specific frequencies and vibrations that promote healing and relaxation. These frequencies can help to balance your energy and reduce stress levels.

Relaxing music, such as classical, ambient, or nature sounds, can also help to calm the mind and body. Create a playlist of your favorite relaxing tracks and set aside time each day to listen. Whether you are working, reading, or simply unwinding, having calming music in the background can significantly improve your overall sense of well-being.

3. Get a Massage

Massages are another fantastic way to relieve muscle tension and stress. Regular massages can improve circulation, reduce pain, and enhance your mood. There are various types of massages to choose from, including Swedish, deep tissue, and aromatherapy massages. Each type offers unique benefits, so experiment and find the one that works best for you!

If professional massages aren’t an option, consider learning some basic self-massage techniques or using a foam roller to release tension in your muscles. If you have a partner, you could also schedule a weekly massage night and take turns massaging each other.

4. Hug Your Partner or Pet

Physical touch is a powerful way to relax your body and mind. Hugging your partner or pet releases oxytocin, which is a hormone that promotes feelings of love, bonding, and relaxation. Therefore, the simple act of hugging can lower stress levels, reduce blood pressure, and improve your overall mood.

If you don’t have a partner or pet, consider other forms of physical touch, such as holding hands, giving high-fives, or getting a professional massage as suggested above. The key is to find ways to incorporate more touch into your daily life to reap its relaxing benefits.

5. Relax Your Mind

Your mind and your body are closely intertwined. I find this mind-body connection really fascinating. This mind-body connection also means that learning to relax your mind can be an important component in answering the question of “how can I relax my body”.
Engaging in relaxing activities or hobbies can help to reduce mental stress and promote a sense of calm. Some effective ways to relax your mind (that I personally love) include:

– Coloring: Adult coloring books have gained popularity in recent years as a form of stress relief. The repetitive motion of coloring can be meditative and soothing. My favorite adult coloring books are the ones by Lizzie Mary Cullen. You can check these out right here.

– Gardening: Spending time in nature and tending to plants can be incredibly relaxing. Gardening allows you to focus on the present moment and connect with the natural world.

– Meditating: Meditation is a powerful tool for relaxing the mind and reducing stress. There are various forms of meditation, such as mindfulness, guided meditation, and transcendental meditation. Find a style that resonates with you (Youtube can be a great place to start!) and incorporate it into your daily routine.

6. Spend Time in Nature

As mentioned above, spending time in nature has numerous benefits for both the mind and body. Nature walks, hiking, or simply sitting in a park can help to reduce stress, lower blood pressure, and improve mood. The fresh air, natural light, and greenery can have a calming effect on the nervous system, which is super important when you’re trying to relax your body.

Try to make it a point to spend time outdoors regularly. Whether it’s a daily walk, a weekend hike, or a picnic in the park, immersing yourself in nature can provide a much-needed break from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

Personally, I hardly ever spent time in nature before this past year. But I’ve now noticed how it’s really had a positive effect on my mental health to change this, and how it’s super helpful in periods of anxiety.

7. Try Recreational Yoga

Yoga is a fantastic way to relax your body and mind. It combines physical postures, breathing exercises, and meditation to promote overall well-being. Recreational yoga focuses on gentle, restorative poses that are designed to relax and rejuvenate the body.

I recently signed up for a recreational yoga class because my partner wanted us to try it. I was slightly skeptical at first, but I have to admit that it’s actually very helpful. It’s amazing to be able to reach a state of complete peacefulness in my body, even if it’s just for one hour during the week.

Some other popular yoga styles for relaxation include Hatha, Yin, and Restorative Yoga. These styles involve slow movements and deep stretches that help to release tension and promote relaxation. You can find yoga classes at local studios, online platforms, or through yoga apps. I personally highly recommend Yoga with Adriene on Youtube.

8. Do Guided Body Scans

A guided body scan is a mindfulness practice that involves paying attention to different parts of your body and noticing any sensations or tension. This practice can help to increase body awareness, reduce stress, and promote relaxation.

In my experience, it takes practice and patience to get the full effects of doing body scans,  However, multiple studies (including this one) suggests that regular body scan meditations help to reduce stress over time. So I definitely recommend trying out body scans for a few weeks to see if this answers the question of “how can I relax my body” for you!

To do a guided body scan, find a quiet place to lie down or sit comfortably. Close your eyes and take a few deep breaths. Starting from the top of your head, slowly move your attention down your body, noticing any sensations or areas of tension. Spend a few moments on each body part before moving on to the next.

There are also a ton of guided body scan recordings available online or through meditation apps to help you get started.

If you’re interested in more mindfulness practices that can help you become more relaxed, you can read my post on beginner-friendly mindfulness exercises right here!

9. Try the Physiological Sigh / Breathwork

Breathwork techniques can be incredibly effective for relaxing the body and mind. The physiological sigh is a specific type of breathwork and it’s my personal favorite as well.

The physiological sigh involves taking a deep inhale through the nose, followed by a second, smaller inhale, and then a slow exhale through the mouth. This technique helps to quickly reduce stress and calm the nervous system, thereby relaxing your body.

To practice the physiological sigh, find a comfortable position and take a deep breath in through your nose. Before exhaling, take a second, smaller breath in. Then, slowly exhale through your mouth. Repeat this process a few times until you feel more relaxed.

Other breathwork techniques, such as box breathing or diaphragmatic breathing, can also be beneficial for relaxation. Once again, you can find tutorials for all of these techniques on Youtube.

10. Go Outside and Try Grounding

Grounding, also known as earthing, involves connecting your body directly to the Earth. Grounding can be done by walking barefoot on grass, sand, or soil, or by sitting or lying on the ground.

Spending time outdoors and practicing grounding can help to improve mood, reduce stress, and promote overall well-being. Try to spend time each day connecting with the Earth, whether it’s through a barefoot walk in your backyard or a visit to a local park, and see if this helps you to relax your body over time.


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Relaxing your body is essential for maintaining overall health and well-being. By incorporating these techniques into your daily routine, you can effectively reduce stress, alleviate tension, and promote a sense of calm. Whether it’s taking a bath, listening to relaxing music, getting a massage, or spending time in nature, there are many ways to help your body unwind and rejuvenate.

I hope this post helps you to uncover your own answer to the question of “How can I relax my body”.