What’s the best part about being on vacation? Feeling well rested? A mind not filled with what’s next on our to-do lists? Mental clarity and focus you haven’t seen in months? What if I were to tell you that all of this, and more, is possible without taking a road trip or flying anywhere? Well, it is!

Instead of self-medicating to relax, or chasing relaxation only to feel “meh,” you just might want to take a “self-vacation.” What does self-vacation mean? It means self-care that gives you deep rest and mental clarity and naturally brings you to the present moment. 

Isn’t that what we all want out of a vacation? Isn’t that what we all want in our daily lives?!? To feel relaxed as if we were on vacation every day? Read on to learn how to relieve stress and feel calm in your daily life.

Oh no! No more “helpful tips” to relax, please!

We all know and use various relaxation methods. But listening to soothing music and taking a bubble bath only goes so far when it comes to relaxing and staying relaxed. And it's not always possible to reach your favorite mental health professional in a moment of need. Having your own wellness resources in your self-care toolbox will ensure you can relax anytime you need to.

How to blow away your high stress and anxiety levels

One of the best ways to reduce stress is to use breathing exercises. Here are two of my favorite breathing techniques for managing stress.

Bee breath is very effective at instantly calming your mind down. It is one of the best breathing exercises to release stress, agitation, frustration, anxiety, or anger. Bee breath (aka Bhramari pranayama) looks a little like when you were a child and you put your fingers into your ears so you couldn’t hear whatever was bothering you. But instead of saying lalalalala, you hum and your fingers are just lightly pressing your ear cartilage. 

Watch this video to learn and experience bee breath for yourself.

Bellows breath (aka Bhastrika pranayama) is another highly effective way to de-stress and feel the calming effects of a breathwork practice. Bellows breath is one of those unique deep breathing techniques that gives energy while also increasing calm. This is why bellows breath is not only great at stress relief, it is also a wonderful precursor to meditation.

Check it out when you’re feeling stressed or experiencing low energy. It will leave you feeling very relaxed with a calm focus.

How to use meditation relaxation techniques to melt away muscle tension

Want something simple and quick from the realm of meditation? Here are two of my favorite relaxation exercises.

Progressive muscle relaxation (self-guided)

Lying down, with eyes closed, take a few deep breaths as you start by taking your attention to various muscle groups in your feet, legs, abdomen, and stomach. Pausing and breathing into each area of the body, scanning and letting go with each breath. 

Move to your chest and throat area. Breathe and relax. Your attention naturally shifts upwards, landing and resting on the face. Notice any tightness in the jaw or temples, and take a few more breaths. As all of your muscles become more and more relaxed, become aware of your whole body. Don’t be in a rush to get up and go. Rest just a few minutes and spend time in this meditative state.

Yoga Nidra (guided)

Sometimes we need a little help letting go. This is where an expert can guide us effortlessly. My meditation teacher, Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar (Gurudev, for short), is a master of guiding you into deep meditation. 

Try out Gurudev’s guided meditation, Yoga Nidra, anytime you need to relax.

Take a vacation intensive

If you really want to relax, try SKY Breath Meditation. I have been practicing this technique daily since 1995. Some of the benefits I have enjoyed are much lower stress levels and blood pressure, more calm, improved immunity, more optimism and joy, and greater mental focus. The more I practice SKY, the more I feel like I’m on a permanent vacation…living my best life.

I invite you to attend a free introductory session, where you can learn more about SKY, practice bellows breath, and enjoy a relaxing guided meditation with a certified instructor. Just click on the image below.  

Now you too know how to relax when you feel stressed! Happy "self-vacationing!"

You might also enjoy reading How to Relieve Stress.