5 Health Benefits of Regular Relaxation

People shouldn’t need encouragement to do something so enjoyable, but far too many of us simply don’t take enough time to simply relax. Well, scientific studies have shown that relaxation is critically important to human beings.

Reasonable periods of relaxation give you an energy recharge and much, much more. So don’t let them call you a loafer for taking your much-needed and well-deserved downtime. If you value health and wellness, you absolutely owe it to yourself!

With that sentiment in mind, read on for an overview of five essential benefits of regular relaxation.

1. Improved Cardiovascular Health

People who live in a constant state of stress face a higher risk of heart attack and other cardiovascular issues. A relaxed individual has a slower heart rate which results in lower high blood pressure and better blood flow – two primary factors in the fight against heart disease. Relaxation is also a key component in the prevention of cardiovascular problems such as stroke. A recent study shows that individuals with the best stress coping mechanisms were 24% less likely to have a stroke.

2. Improved Mental Health

There seems to be no end to the number of mental health issues that proper relaxation can address. It seems as though we actually store negative emotions such as anger, fear, and frustration in our tensed muscles. In addition to releasing these tensions, relaxation optimizes the levels of brain hormones such as cortisol, serotonin, and dopamine to ward off anxiety and depression. Although we associate mental concentration with hard work rather than relaxation, studies have shown that relaxation actually improves our ability to focus on specific tasks.

3. Improves Digestion

Digestive system experts have determined that relaxation techniques have helped large numbers of patients with gastrointestinal disorders by managing irritability, pain, cramping, and bloating. Relaxation also aids in basic digestive system function by increasing the absorption of essential vitamins and minerals.

4. Better Immune Response

By reducing inflammation in all areas of your body, adequate relaxation can give your body’s immune system a vital boost. Excessive stress can lead to an unhealthy build-up of inflammation builder, which leaves you susceptible to colds, flues, and a broad range of infectious illnesses. When your immune response fails to keep pace with this build-up, you are bound to get sick.

5. Better Rest

You may think that taking more time to relax during the day would make it more difficult to get to sleep at night. This might seem logical, but the truth is very much the opposite. When you relax your body and mind, you can rid yourself of the nagging and distracting thoughts that might otherwise keep you awake when you’re ready to sleep. Furthermore, relaxation increases the production of the hormone melatonin, which helps you fall asleep quickly, sleep more soundly, and stay asleep longer.