Relaxation, and I mean True Relaxation (the way I refer to it) is absolutely crucial in life but especially in midlife for women.
Unless you are intentionally relaxing, you probably are living at a level of stress 24/7.
In 2024, I spent the year diving into my wellness. It was my Year to THRIVE. It took my months to get my stress levels down, but I did it! (I even have receipts which you can see in the video!)
In this episode, I share the main things I changed that made the biggest difference for me.
PS: Here are the extras I mention:
VIDEO I MENTIONED:
▶️ THRIVE SERIES:
💚 Sleep
💚 Relaxation: This Video
💚 Energy & Focus: COMING SOON
💚 Exercise: COMING SOON
YOGA VIDEOS FOR YOU:
🧘🏼♂️ Playlist for Yoga for Stress Management & Relaxation
🧘🏼♂️ Gentle Yoga with Vagus Nerve Activation & Stress Relief
🧘🏼♂️ Gentle Yoga Stretch for Mid-Life with Vagus Nerve Release
🧘🏼♂️ 🧘🏼♂️ MONTHLY RESTORATIVE YOGA CLASS
ESSENTIAL OILS FOR RELAXATION
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READ: My Year to Thrive:
Discovering True Relaxation During Perimenopause
What I Discovered About True Relaxation During My Year to Thrive in 2024
In 2024, I embarked on what I called my “Year to Thrive,” a deep dive into wellness that transformed how I approach relaxation, energy, and self-care. During this journey, I uncovered the difference between numbing activities we often label as relaxing and what I now know as “true relaxation.”
For women navigating perimenopause, this distinction is crucial. Our bodies become more sensitive to cortisol, the stress hormone, which can disrupt sleep, contribute to belly fat, and leave us feeling perpetually drained. Intentional relaxation isn’t just about feeling good in the moment; it’s about creating a foundation of health and energy that allows us to thrive.
And what I did WORKED! I totally have receipts! My watch tracks stress levels. I got the watch in September 2022 – average stress 53. Average stress in the past year is 42. Yep, there were ups and down but overall, I’m getting a handle on my stress.
Stress in 2022
Stress in 2022
Stress in 2022
Here’s to TRULY Relaxing!
The Problem with Modern Relaxation
When we think of relaxation, activities like watching TV, scrolling through social media, or enjoying a glass of wine might come to mind. While these may provide a temporary sense of escape, they don’t address the underlying stress our bodies experience. In fact, they often mask the problem rather than resolve it.
Here’s the truth: true relaxation goes beyond numbing the mind. It’s about creating a physiological state of ease that calms the nervous system and allows the body to rest, digest, and heal. This involves activating the parasympathetic nervous system, which counteracts the stress-induced “fight or flight” response.
Why True Relaxation Matters in Perimenopause
As I delved into wellness, I learned that perimenopause brings unique challenges. Hormonal changes make us more reactive to stress, amplifying the effects of cortisol. Here’s how that plays out:
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Disrupted Sleep: High cortisol levels can make it harder to fall asleep and stay asleep, leading to chronic fatigue.
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Belly Fat: Stress hormones encourage fat storage around the abdomen, a common complaint during this phase of life.
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Mental Strain: The heightened stress response can increase feelings of anxiety and overwhelm.
Addressing these issues requires more than surface-level relaxation. It demands a commitment to practices that genuinely support the body and mind.
My Journey to True Relaxation
Over the course of 2024, I experimented with various relaxation techniques to see what truly worked. Here are the practices that transformed my approach:
- Vagus Nerve Work: The vagus nerve is a critical component of the parasympathetic nervous system. Stimulating this nerve helps shift the body out of stress mode. Simple techniques like deep breathing, humming, or gargling can make a big difference. For me, intentional breathing exercises became a cornerstone of my relaxation routine.
2. Essential Oils: Aromatherapy is a gentle yet effective way to calm the nervous system. I incorporated essential oils like lavender, chamomile, and frankincense into my daily routine. Diffusing these oils in the evening or adding a few drops to a warm bath became rituals I looked forward to.
3. Yoga for Relaxation: Yoga has always been part of my life, but I began exploring styles specifically designed for relaxation. Restorative yoga and certain poses, such as “legs up the wall” (Viparita Karani), became go-to practices. These poses encourage circulation, release tension, and calm the mind. I even created videos on yoga for relaxation and vagus nerve stimulation to share what I’d learned.
How I Incorporated True Relaxation into My Life
Making space for intentional relaxation doesn’t have to be complicated. Here’s how I made it work:
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Start Small: I began with just five minutes of deep breathing or a single restorative yoga pose each day. Even small steps can have a big impact.
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Create Rituals: By dedicating specific times to these practices, they became non-negotiable parts of my routine. Evening rituals, like diffusing essential oils while journaling, helped me wind down before bed.
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Listen to My Body: Some days called for deep breathing; others called for a longer yoga session. Paying attention to what I needed in the moment was key.
The Benefits of True Relaxation
The results of prioritizing true relaxation were profound. Here’s what I experienced:
- Better Sleep: My sleep improved dramatically. I fell asleep faster, stayed asleep longer, and woke up feeling more refreshed.
- Reduced Stress: I felt less reactive and more grounded, even in challenging situations.
- Increased Energy: By giving my body the rest it needed, I had more energy to tackle my day.
- Improved Mental Clarity: Regular relaxation practices helped me think more clearly and make decisions with ease.
Final Thoughts
True relaxation isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity, especially during perimenopause. By focusing on practices that support the parasympathetic nervous system, we can reduce stress, improve sleep, and reclaim our energy.
If you’re ready to explore these practices further, check out my YouTube channel for guided videos on vagus nerve work, yoga, and more. Remember, the journey to wellness begins with one small step. Start today, and watch how it transforms your life.
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WATCH: My Year to Thrive:
Discovering True Relaxation During Perimenopause
I always share more personal stories in the video / podcast, in case you are wondering. The blog post is more to the point. I get chatty when I’m, well, chatting!
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