March 23, 2017, by Jack Neely – In our fast-moving environment, it is very important that everyone learns techniques and relaxation methods to avoid stress.
This is even truer for those returning from deployment. Being deployed can have effects which make one’s daily life more difficult, and therefore it can take a conscious effort for a soldier to maintain healthy levels of stress. Here are some relaxation methods you can use when you return from deployment to help with relaxation.
Listen To Calming Music
Listening to certain kinds of music such as soft jazz, classical and easy listening will help relax your mind after deployment. One’s mind is constantly in a state of thinking and processing thoughts, images, and ideas – many of them at the same time. Many of soldier’s thoughts are based upon circumstances that are happening, or that have happened in deployment.
If you don’t give our mind and spirit some down time, we can never find a state of relaxation. When we put our minds in a state of idleness, it allows us to think outside the boxes of our circumstances. Music gives the ability to think positive and has peaceful thoughts. Some of the best music for relaxation can be bought from kiosks inside Wal-Mart or Target.
Gardening
Gardening is perhaps one of the best relaxation techniques soldiers should practice after deployment. Spending time in the garden can be a huge relief and a valued activity to do in your downtime. It doesn’t take a lot to get a small garden built in your yard or even work in a community garden.
If you have a bit of time and patience, it can be a super rewarding activity. An added bonus is the vegetables you will pull out of your garden at harvest time!
Sleeping
Sleeping is king for relaxation if you are back from deployment. When you are consistently getting enough sleep, you’re able to allow your body to produce the proper chemicals it needs to function on a day-to-day basis. When you try to operate on a daily basis with less than seven hours of sleep, you interfere with your body’s normal functions. Sleeping for at least seven to eight hours a day is optimal.
Performing Daily Stretch
Start your day out with a simple stretch. When you do this, oxygen begins to travel in your bloodstream, which ultimately stimulates the brain. When you first get out of bed, stand flat-footed, raise your arms up in the air and wiggle your fingers as if you were trying to touch the ceiling. Reach up towards the ceiling and stand on your toes to stretch your calf muscles. Now bend over and try to touch your toes while you are flat-footed on the floor. This stretches your back and allows you to improve your breathing.
Quiet Time
Some people disregard one of the simplest steps to relaxation – quiet time. Each day, find a quiet place to simply sit and be still for at least five to ten minutes. This allows your mind to basically shut down for just a few moments in order to refresh itself.
It’s almost like restarting a computer. Our bodies need the same thing. Unplug from life for a short moment – your body and mind will thank you for helping you get through the rest of your day.
Everyone has a different way in order to relax. Start today by trying these very simple relaxation techniques and you’ll be on your way to a successful life of relaxation!