Life can get a little overwhelming sometimes, what with all the things we have to deal with on a daily basis like our personal issues, relationships, jobs, extra-curricular activities, and whatever else we have on our plates. Most people go through a lot (with or without realizing it), and it’s not always going to be smooth-sailing – it is absolutely vital that we remain resilient enough to take whatever challenges may come our way. Normally, problems are best dealt with head on, but remember that it’s also equally important to take a break every now and then. Relax – allow your mind and your body to recuperate, which in turn can help you boost you in your efforts to combat whatever it is you’re facing with more energy.
Allowing your body to relax is important for everybody, more so for those who have recently undergone therapy at hormone replacement clinics in Florida. Be wary though, as some activities one may perceive to be relaxing may in actuality be more harmful to one’s health in the long run! If you’re thinking of spending the next weekend lying in bed and binge watching shows on Netflix, you may want to reconsider. Here are some of the ways you (and, admittedly, we) have been relaxing wrong:
- Overeating – Stress eating is something many of us are guilty of. When the body undergoes a significant amount of strain it’s natural for it to look for food, but succumbing to these urges usually doesn’t end well. You know how the old saying goes: “a moment on the lips, forever on the hips.”! The biggest side-effect one may have to endure is weight gain, but that in itself can lead to a plethora of other mental and health issues. Obesity (being severely overweight) is linked to heart disease, diabetes, chronic fatigue, among others. You won’t have to wait long to see how bad overeating is – the next time you overeat, remember how awful you feel right after and the morning after.Occasionally indulging is alright, as long as it’s done in moderation. Avoid junk food whenever possible, but if not, balance it out with some fresh fruits and vegetables so your body is still nourished with essential vitamins and nutrients.
- Incense & Candles – While it’s nice to have a room smell of lavender or jasmine by using incenses or scented candles, inhaling these “scents” may end up hurting you more than a slightly displeasing smell could ever do. According to a study from the South China University of Technology, researchers found that the incense smoke contained both ultrafine and fine particles that were found to be highly toxic and mutagenic – that is, it’s capable of changing our DNA makeup and lead to mutations that could cause cancer. Paraffin candles are no different; Researchers for South Carolina State University also found that paraffin candles have similar effects. They too, emit potentially hazardous vapors that could lead to allergies, asthma attacks, or even migraines.If you simply can’t kick this habit, then only light incenses occasionally and make sure to only do so in well ventilated rooms in order to minimize your exposure to the smoke. As for the candles, try to use the soy-based variants instead which are non-toxic.
- Binge watching – According to the American Public Health Association, there’s a link between binge watching (defined as continuous viewing for more than 2 hours) and depression or anxiety. However, it is currently unknown whether it’s the mental issues that cause the binge watching or vice versa.Watching TV shows or movies is a good source of entertainment and is great for relieving stress perhaps a couple of times a week. But because it’s such a time sink activity, binge watching has a tendency to cause you to neglect other activities such as work, family, education, or even basic tasks like eating or bathing! Be disciplined enough to limit your viewing time and make sure there’s nothing else left on your agenda before diving into a new installment of your favorite TV show or movie.Each person has their own way of loosening up after a long, hard day, but do your best to avoid the ones listed above so that you can give your body (and it functions) a break as well!
