When was the last time you truly relaxed? I don't mean crashing on the couch with IG and the latest Hulu show.. but true relaxing? That kind where you are free of worry, free of fear, free of the never ending to-do list?

I would say, more than we care to admit, we let stress take a hold of our everyday lives. Stress, tension from demanding circumstances, is created from things that we can't control (and most likely never will be able too). It affects us physically, emotionally, and even spiritually. 

We each probably have signs when we know we are super stressed: the hunched shoulders, the splitting headache, the irritability, and more. We each know that we need to take care of ourselves but often stress prevents us from doing so.

So, on this day, National Relaxation Day, I give you permission to relax. Truly relax. Relieve your anxiety. Breathe. Take a time out. After you read this, put down your phone and fill your water bottle up. 

As we prepare for a new academic year, the stresses of balancing our jobs, families, and lives will just build, so start fresh now. Find something you love to do, and dive into it. After all, relaxing doesn't mean we have to do nothing. It means we find time to do the things that renew our spirits, energy, and rests our busy minds and bodies. 

When you feel the stress piling on, take a deep breath, in and out. Even if all you can grab today is five minutes, do it. The lists, the work, the chores, whatever is on your mind is always going to be there. Right now, take time for you... and do it the next day, and the next.. and pretty soon, true relaxing will be a habit! 

Happy Relaxing!