We all face stressful situations throughout our lives. And it is a normal part of life. Fitting the following relaxation activities into your life can help reduce everyday stress, boost your energy and mood, and improve your mental and physical health. Rather than focusing on one technic, I would highly recommend trying several to see which one works best for you. Of course, the longer and the more often you do it, the greater the benefits and the more you can reduce stress.
Open up to someone you trust
Our friendships are among the most valuable relationships we have. We gain in various ways from different friendships. And talking is the cornerstone of most friendships. it’s important to talk to someone you trust. They won’t necessarily be able to fix your issues, but at least you will be able to share your emotions and thoughts with someone who knows and understand you deeply.
Breathing exercises. It’s never too late to start
Deep breathing is one of the best ways to lower stress in the body. This is because when you breathe deeply, it sends a message to your brain to calm down and relax. The brain then sends this message to your body. Those things that happen when you are stressed, such as increased heart rate, fast breathing, and high blood pressure, all decrease as you breathe deeply to relax. The good news is that breathing exercises are easy to learn. You can do them whenever you want, and you don’t need any special tools or equipment to do them. I recommend trying the following simple and easy to learn exercise that will help you relax and relieve stress: take long, slow, deep breaths. As you breathe, you will progressively disconnect your mind from everything else.
Meditation
The popularity of meditation is increasing as more people discover its benefits. In fact, a study from UCLA found that long-term meditators had better-preserved brains than non-meditators as they aged. Meditation is used to increase awareness of yourself and your surroundings. Many people think of it as a way to reduce stress, develop concentration but therefore beat burnout. However, meditation can sometimes be challenging. Many people think meditation is about sitting in a dark room trying to make your mind go empty. But meditation does not have to be physically uncomfortable. And you don’t need to force your mind to go blank. Try simple mindful breathing exercises, which is also a form of meditation. If sitting is uncomfortable, try mindful walking and pair your steps with your breath.
Adopt a healthy lifestyle
When I am stressed, I tend to eat unhealthy and exercise less simply because I am looking for ways to feel more comfortable. The truth is that these practices will not help your mental and physical state. Instead, make sure you are exercising, eating healthy and sleeping properly. Focus on your body and its needs. That should be the priority in everything you do.
Travel, Relax & Eat
Taking a vacation and having a change of scenery, even if it is just a quick trip, can have a considerable impact on your mental and physical health. It has been scientifically proven that travel provides a number of benefits to your health, especially if you are surrounded by nature, culture and history. Pick a destination that means a lot to you. For me, there is nothing better than a few days in Italy where I can fully relax and enjoy the country’s gastronomy and wine. And who says gastronomy says Piemont, a region renowned worldwide for the variety and quality of its excellent products.
This year I decided to go to the wonderful Castello di Guarene, a place I will never forget. This palace was built in the eighteenth century by local nobleman Carlo Giacinto Roero.Today, the palace is one of the most beautiful and relaxing hotels in Piedmont. The rooms feature marble en suite bathrooms, lavish textiles and beautiful antique furnishings. It was such a privilege to be there. I also really enjoyed dining at the hotel’s restaurant that focuses on the traditions of the Langhe region, natural ingredients and creativity and offers the region’s finest wines. Finally, the hotel’s beautiful spa is the ideal place to relax and disconnect from everything. I highly recommend getting a massage during your stay. I’ve never been so relaxed in my life!
I would also highly recommend the Boscareto Resort & Spa, a real institution in the region. Dipped in the vineyards, the hotel offers an amazing view of the Langhe landscape. The 1* Michelin starred restaurant La Rei, led by Executive Chef Fabrizio Tesse, is a place of great passion for food, where you can live a unique experience combined with traditional piedmontese dishes and Mediterranean influence. Last but not least, La Sovrana SPA is a space fully dedicated to relaxation and well-being. Lay down, relax and admire the stunning views from the beautiful swimming pool.
You cannot visit the region without dining at Piazza Duomo in Alba, the food paradise of Piedmont. Fassona beef, hazelnuts, truffles and biodynamic produce from the chef’s own farm are all used to make creative, delicious and modern Italian dishes. My favorite was the intricate Salad 21, 31, 41, 51, which references the varying number of seasonal ingredients as well as the panna cotta Matisse, a colorful mosaic of seasonal fruit and vegetables that was almost too beautiful to be eaten. The Chef, Enrico Crippa, is simply a genius and certainly one of the world’s best chefs. He will make you feel like you have won the ultimate gourmet prize. Finally, if you like pink, you will certainly not be disappointed. The dining room is entirely pink!
If you are a wine lover, you will love the Gaja winery and its iconic wines. Founded in 1859 in Barbaresco, the winery has always been recognized as one of the iconic names in the production of Barbaresco. From the beginning, this family has been able to establish itself in the global wine scene thanks to a unique philosophy: the quest for quality. Gaja has now become a symbol of the greatness of Barbaresco and a wine that tells the poetry of its territory in the glass.
Another must go place is Marchesi di Barolo’s historical cellars, located in the town of Barolo. Today the Abbona Family continues the work that began more than two centuries ago producing high quality wines meant to enrich, year after year. This is the place where modernity and tradition meet and where a great heritage of vineyards and knowledge has been passed down from parents to children for over many generations.