Week Three- Relax and Do It
- Isla Russell
- Jan 15, 2016
- 2 min read
Weight Update: This week I didn’t do as well as the last, but a loss is a loss at the end of the day. I lost a pound, which I’m still happy with, but I’m hoping for a bit more this week and so will be working extra hard to achieve this.
I wanted to post about relaxation to improve your fitness today. It’s a well-known fact that if you’re stressed than you won’t lose weight as fast as if you’re relaxed- of course other factors will contribute. So in order for you to get the best results this year I’ve devised some relaxation tips for you…
Listen to some music- If things
are getting you down; maybe you have a lot of work to get through, you missed a gym session, or you’re just down about life, put some music on and chill. Pop on your favourite band, artist, or playlist, and either properly jam out (which will help you lose weight in itself so double win!) or completely give yourself some time to recover by having a lie down.
Take a nap- sometimes, after a workout or a stressful day at school/work,
you just need to have that hour or so to yourself where you completely immerse yourself in something other than work/working out. The best way to do this is by having a quick nap. Not only will it make you forget your problems for a while, but when you wake up will feel refreshed and ready to work again, therefore making your night more productive.
Watch your favourite TV show- I know better than anyone that this one is a little bit dangerous because you have to show restraint! When I say watch
your favourite TV show, I mean one episode, not the whole season you’ve began and want to finish but can’t find the time for. Just giving yourself that 20-40 minutes break that it takes to watch an episode of a TV show will really help your mind re-set itself into work mode, and, again, make you more productive. I recommend the Netflix series Bojack Horseman if you’re looking for something new and funny to watch, it’s so hilarious it will change your life!!!
Go for a walk/run- if it’s something non-workout related that’s stressing you out sometimes a nice walk or run can help clear your mind and give you the relief you need from staring at a blank page/computer screen. If you can find a nice location in the countryside, or a nice park to walk around then you’re pretty much set. Not only will the fresh air help you rethink things and forget your troubles, but because you’re exercising it will release endorphins that will make you happier, and therefore more relaxed.
Do some meditation- I’m the first to admit that I
was very sceptical when it
came to trying out meditation. I didn’t believe that focusing on your breathing and clearing your mind would help in any way, and believed that it would be the biggest waste of time- I was proven wrong. Just giving yourself 10/15 minutes to clear your mind and focus on something other than work will really help you refocus your mind set into a more positive one, and give you the strength and motivation to carry on with work. I suggest checking out Mark Williams ‘8 week mindfulness stress based reduction programme’ on YouTube, it will really help. Alternatively get the free Headspace app which gives you different focus activities to do to help relax your mind.
I know that this was a long post, but relaxing is key to not only a fit life, but a healthy one. I hope you find these techniques useful. Stay fit!
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