A good workout leaves you feeling invigorated, strong, and accomplished. But sometimes, an intense workout can leave you feeling drained and need serious relaxation. Try out these relaxation techniques if you’re looking for ways to unwind after a tough workout.
Have a Cup of Tea
Tea has calming properties that can help to relax your mind and body after a long day. Chamomile tea has a calming effect that can be great for falling asleep, and it doesn’t just knock you out cold—you’ll sleep better and wake up feeling refreshed. Plus, chamomile has been known to help with sleep quality associated with depression and other mental health issues.
If chamomile is not your cup of tea, you can still reap the benefits of other teas. Green tea reduces stress levels, while white tea and yerba mate have been found to boost energy and focus.
Take a Warm Bath or Hot Shower
The heat from the water will help to soothe your muscles and relieve any tension you may be feeling. A hot bath or shower after a tough workout also has health benefits. A hot shower dilates your blood vessels, increases blood flow, and relaxes your muscles. This helps to reduce muscle soreness and tightness, resulting in a more relaxed feeling.
Adding some Epsom salt to your bathtub can further help to ease muscle pain. This is because Epsom salt contains magnesium, which helps to draw toxins from the body. Your body then absorbs the minerals through the skin, which can help to reduce inflammation and relax your muscles.
You can also add a variety of oils to your bath for additional benefits. Lavender oil, for example, creates a calming atmosphere and can help reduce stress levels. You can also try aromatherapy oils like sandalwood, jasmine, and geranium, which are great for relaxation. Or you can go for the plain old bubble bath.
Listen to Calm Music
Music has the power to change moods and lower stress levels. Research shows that if you listen to slow, calming music after a run, your body will recover more quickly from the workout. In addition to the physical benefits, this type of music can also help reduce stress and anxiety levels. Listening to calm music after a run can also help you remember the experience, making you want to run again. You can use slow jams or classical music to help you relax.
Visit a Wellness Spa
Nothing says relaxation like a wellness spa. A wellness spa specializes in helping people find physical, emotional, and spiritual balance by providing massage therapy, aromatherapy, and other treatments. They also offer other services like facials, body wraps, and steam therapy to relax your mind and body. Visiting after an intense workout can help to soothe sore muscles and reduce stress levels.
You can get a massage which can help to increase circulation, reduce inflammation, and ease muscle tension. You can also get a facial which helps to nourish the skin and relax the mind. And while at it, why not try a body wrap or steam therapy session to detoxify your body and reduce stress? This will also be a great time for you to focus on your breathing and practice mindfulness; that way, you can truly relax and let go of any tension or worries you may have.
Practice Deep Breathing Exercises
Deep breathing is one of the quickest and most effective ways to reduce stress and promote relaxation. Sit or lie in a comfortable position and take slow, deep breaths through your nose and out through your mouth. Repeat this until you feel your body start to relax. This technique helps by triggering your body’s parasympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for calming and relaxation. Doing this after a workout can help to reduce muscle tension and soothe your body.
You can also try yoga breathing exercises, which focus on deepening your breath and promoting relaxation. This exercise helps reduce stress hormones, improve digestion, and regulate heart rate.
Take a Nap
A nap is one of the best ways to relax after a run. Naps are great for de-stressing and getting extra rest and can also improve cognitive function and memory retention. Taking a quick nap can help aid muscle recovery, restore energy levels and reduce stress hormones. So if you feel tired after a run, don’t hesitate to nap! Make sure it’s no longer than 30 minutes, so you don’t wake up feeling groggy.
It will help if you nap in a comfortable environment. You can close the lights, draw the curtains, and play calming music or nature sounds to get the most out of your nap. You can also use this time to practice mindfulness; focus on your breathing and let go of any tension or worries going through your mind.
After a long day of training your body, it’s important to take some time to relax and let your body recover. By taking care of yourself and giving yourself some time to rest, you’ll be able to come back even stronger for your next workout! Try out these relaxation techniques the next time you need to unwind after an intense training session and see how much it helps you.
