3 Practices to Release and Let Go

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Rest is often associated with sleep or napping, but there are many other ways to relax and unwind that don't involve these activities. Here are some options to consider:

1. Practice progressive muscle relaxation.

This technique involves focusing on each muscle group and alternating between tension and relaxation. To try it, find a comfortable position and take slow, deep breaths.

Then, begin by tightening and releasing the muscles in your toes. Work your way up your body, repeating this process for each muscle group, including your hands, lower arms, lower legs, feet, abdomen, and lower forehead. As you tense and relax each muscle, pay attention to the physical sensations you are experiencing. Progressive muscle relaxation can help you become more present and aware of your body's tension and relaxation patterns.

To maximize the benefits of this relaxation technique, try to practice it daily. With consistent practice, you may find that you feel more relaxed overall.

2. Practice release writing.

Release writing is a way to express and release negative emotions through writing. It involves writing quickly and without analyzing or judging your thoughts and feelings. To try release writing, begin by writing "I feel sad because" or "I feel angry because," and then keep writing until you feel a sense of relief. After you finish, it can be helpful to destroy the paper to fully release the energy.

3. Find the positive outcomes of past challenges.

It can be helpful to look back on difficult experiences and identify the positive outcomes that arose as a result. For example, losing a loved one may bring a family closer together and encourage more meaningful communication and connection, or a health scare may motivate a person to make healthier lifestyle choices and improve their overall well-being. Reflecting on these silver linings can help you trust that everything happens for a reason and may make it easier to relax and rest when facing future challenges.

^Resources:

^{The Little Book of Rest by Stephanie Thomas}

^{Rest is Resistance by Tricia Hersey}