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Relaxation: Key to Life!

by | Aug 9, 2025 | Massage Therapy

If you get massage treatments from me, Ofelia, you might have heard me say “Relaxation is the key to life.” I truly believe that when your nervous system is optimized, everything just flows and feels better. You will look, sound and feel healthier. Your sleep will be of good quality and you’ll be ready to take on the world. Your body will heal, and inflammation diminished. Creativity and problem solving become effortless. Your relationships will thrive; you’ll land the job interview. Note: these effects may vary from person to person. But seriously, there is some real science to being relaxed. It’s not just about “feeling good”—it’s a vital biological reset for your mind and body.

Here’s why:

  • It balances your stress response – Chronic stress keeps your body in fight-or-flight mode, flooding it with cortisol and adrenaline. Relaxation, and touch activates the parasympathetic nervous system (your “rest-and-digest” mode), lowering stress hormones and bringing your body back to equilibrium.

  • It protects long-term health – Persistent stress is linked to heart disease, digestive issues, weakened immunity, anxiety, and depression. Regular relaxation interrupts that cycle, reducing inflammation and giving your organs and systems a chance to recover.

  • It sharpens your mind – Relaxation improves focus, problem-solving, and creativity by giving your brain time to process and reorganize information without constant pressure.

  • It deepens emotional resilience – A relaxed state makes it easier to handle life’s challenges with perspective, patience, and self-control rather than reacting impulsively.

  • It improves sleep quality – Relaxation techniques calm your nervous system, making it easier to fall asleep, stay asleep, and wake up feeling restored

Relaxation isn’t a luxury—it’s a way to hit the “reset” button so your mind and body can function at their best. Without it, we end up running on empty, both mentally and physically. Another thing I continuously tell me clients is to try do some mind/body relaxation exercises with any few minutes possible. It’s a great use of time to focus on relaxing in traffic, waiting for a phone call, an upload, or at the grocery store line.

A Simple Relaxation Routine such as the one below can reduce stress, ease muscle tension, and help clear your mind — especially useful between tasks or at the end of a hectic day.

Step 1: Ground Yourself (30 seconds)

  • Sit or lie down in a comfortable position.

  • Close your eyes if you feel comfortable.

  • Notice the points of contact your body makes with the ground or chair.

  • Let your shoulders drop. Relax your jaw.

Step 2: Deep Breathing (1 minute)

  • Inhale through your nose for 4 seconds

  • Hold the breath for 2 seconds

  • Exhale slowly through your mouth for 6 seconds

  • Repeat this for 5 full breaths. Let each breath get a little slower. Try to breathe from your belly, not your chest. Place a hand on your abdomen if that helps.

Step 3: Body Scan (2 minutes)

  • Bring your attention to your head. Notice any tension, then let it soften.

  • Move to your neck and shoulders. Breathe into any tightness and let it go.

  • Continue slowly down:

    • Chest and back

    • Arms and hands

    • Stomach and hips

    • Legs, ankles, and feet

  • Spend about 10–15 seconds on each area. Imagine tension melting away with each exhale.

Step 4: Calming Visualization (1 minute)

  • Imagine a peaceful place — somewhere you feel safe and calm.

  • It could be a beach, a forest, a cozy room — whatever feels relaxing.

  • Picture the details: the colors, sounds, textures, even scents.

  • Let yourself linger there for a few moments, breathing deeply.

Step 5: Gently Return (30 seconds)

  • Bring awareness back to your physical space.

  • Wiggle your fingers and toes, move your head, ribcage, hips and limbs.

  • Open your eyes.

  • Take one final calming deep breath in, and exhale all your tension out.

On this National Relaxation Day, August 15th, I encourage you to attempt this a few times, and customize to make it your own. If you’re ready to relax your body and reset your mind with our healing hands, book your appointment with The Muscle Relaxers today. Your stress doesn’t stand a chance.