A Resolution for Relaxation

Last year I made a New Year’s resolution to carve out more time for relaxation and luckily, I stuck to it! Even when work and kid activities kept me hopping, I did a better job than I had in previous years of finding time to stop and breathe. Part of this was due to the realization that I needed to set a better example for my kids. They look to parents and caregivers as examples of how adults should behave, so if we aren’t practicing self-care, then what are we teaching them?
January is self-love month. In an increasingly busy world, kids today must learn how to take care of their mental, physical, and emotional health long before they transition to adulthood. Children and teens experience different types of stress than adults. However, if we pause for a minute and put ourselves in their shoes, it’s easy to remember what it felt like. Aside from academics and activities, navigating peer relationships and school dynamics can be exhausting. Adulting is no party, but being an adolescent isn’t either — at times.
Here are 6 reasons why it is important that kids make time for relaxation:
- Mental Health: Relaxation helps reduce stress and anxiety, which is important for a child’s mental well-being.
- Physical Health: Stress can impact physical health. Relaxation can help maintain a healthy immune system, too!
- Emotional Regulation: Relaxation techniques can help children learn how to manage their emotions, leading to better social interactions and coping skills.
- Improved Concentration: Taking time to relax can refresh a child’s mind, leading to improved focus and performance in school tasks. Naturally, this could pave the path to better grades.
- Better Sleep: Relaxation before bed can improve the quality of sleep, which is crucial for growth and development. This also means fewer nightmares.
- Creative Thinking: A relaxed mind is often more open to creative thinking and problem-solving.
Ideas for relaxation
Relaxation can be reading a book, like my daughter does for 30-45 minutes each night before bed. It could be listening to music or going to the gym like my husband and stepson do. I enjoy reading or listening to audiobooks. We all love to hike when the weather is nice. I know other people who write, paint, call a friend, and play with their dog to relax.
For a paid experience and something you might think of first when you hear the word “relaxation,” I recommend Salt Earth Massage & Dry Salt Therapy in Tulsa for its family-friendly nature and incredible ambiance. They offer an array of services from massage to facials and much more. My personal favorite is reflexology with Carla. Reflexology uses reflex points on the feet to relieve tension and stress from various areas of the body. Our whole family loves reflexology. It is safe for people of all ages, even babies!
Salt Earth is also a place people can sit and breathe in the salt in a room designed to look like a pink beach. I see parents with kids come out looking relaxed and happy. The salt room is one of the few places in Tulsa where it feels like summer all year round. The point of salt therapy, aside from relieving skin and respiratory conditions, is to combat stress, anxiety, and fatigue.
When you don’t have time to relax, you can’t fully experience joy in your week. Relaxation may look like an hour a day or just 10 minutes before bed. Keep in mind that scheduling relaxation time might be necessary until it becomes habit. My new year’s wish for you is that you and your family find time and a way that works for each of you to reap the benefits of relaxing this year. Make self-care a priority.