We all know the importance of making time for relaxation. Excessive stress can lead to both mental and physical health issues, and when we all lead such busy (and often high pressure) lives, stress is definitely something most of us experience from time to time. You might have tried all of the usual advice- exercise to release endorphins, journal to unpick your problems, go for a massage and prioritise sleep. But if you want to try something different, here are three cool methods you might not have considered.
MMJ Vaping
The effects of cannabis in relation to relaxation is well understood. The ‘high’ you experience with marijuana actually mimics a process your body has in place to keep anxiety levels in check: marijuana contains plant-based cannabinoids which bind to the same receptors in your body. This triggers the same relaxing feeling as the releasing and binding of your body’s own cannabinoids. However, smoking cannabis does come with some issues- two of which are correct dosing and inadvertent inhalation of toxins when smoked alongside tobacco. MMJ vaping involves vaping, rather than smoking cannabis with tobacco. This eliminates the issue of toxins, and enables people to set their dose much more carefully. Extract artists like Daniel Fung have carefully created MMJ vape pens with the best extracts available, so it’s something to look into if you enjoy using cannabis to relax.
Floatation Tank Therapy
A floatation tank is used for restricted environmental stimulation therapy, it’s apt acronym is ‘REST’. These tanks, also known as sensory deprivation or isolation tanks are dark and soundproof and filled with around a foot of warm saltwater which enable you to float weightlessly. The benefits are proven with science, with research showing that time spent floating in a sensory deprivation tank may have some benefits, at least in healthy people. These include muscle relaxation, better sleep, decrease in pain, and decreased stress and anxiety. They can also produce several effects on the brain, ranging from hallucinations to enhanced creativity, with some people having profound visualisations and entering a dreamlike state. This can help you to relax, see your issues from another perspective and promote a sense of wellbeing. While they sound a little kooky, lots of spas and salons have them so if you do a search for flotation tank therapy in your local area, more than likely you’ll be able to find somewhere that offers this.
Group Music Relaxation Therapy
Music is well known for its relaxing benefits. You’ll know yourself that cranking up your favourite playlist when you’re feeling down will pick you up. That putting on fast music while you’re at the gym will give you a boost of energy, or playing sad songs when you’re down or heartbroken will get the emotions flowing. So playing music to help with stress in a therapeutic setting can be incredibly beneficial. Group therapies in relation to relaxation and stress reduction are becoming more and more popular, see if you have one nearby to you.
