Tag Archives: Relaxation

6 Ways to Everyday Relaxation

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Relaxation isn’t something that should happen only when you’re on vacation. Ideally you should find time to relax each day – to reduce stress, lower your heart rate, quiet your mind, and to just plain ole’ feel good…as we like to say!

A great way to make sure you relax each day is to plan it out ahead of time.  A week ahead works really well: each Sunday take a few minutes a decide what you’ll do each day for the next week to relax, and when you’ll do it.

On days when you have more time, do something more involved like taking a long hike or going to the beach.  And on really busy days, squeeze in some time for something easier but equally calming.

Here are some relaxation ideas to add to your week:

1. Take a quiet walk.  

Get out and listen to the birds and the sounds of nature.  Even if you don’t have trees or green space around you, being present and tuning into whatever surroundings you find yourself in – even the sounds of the city – can be incredibly relaxing.

2. Breathe.

Yes, so very simple.  Sit for a few minutes and take several slow, deep breaths.  We tend to breath in slower, shorter breaths when we are stressed out.  So taking deeper breaths, you’ll find youself feeling much more grounded and centered even after just a few minutes.

3. Take a cat nap.

It’s no secret that we think naps rule! Getting in a quick little cat nap is a fantastic way to unwind and de-stress.  We wrote all about naps here.

4. Sit and do nothing.  

Find a quiet, soothing place.  A comfortable chair, or maybe a swing or hammock.  Sit for at least 5 minutes in silence, with no phone or other distractions.

5. Get a massage.

Not only do massages feel great, but they also help your body to rest and rejuvinate.  Regular massage therapy lowers stress levels, relaxes your muscles, decreases blood pressure, increases flexibility – and the list of benefits goes on!  We think it’s the perfect execuse to treat yourself…

6. Take a bath.

Soaking in a hot bath is a really easy way to ease tension and relax.  It’s a great way to calm yourself before bed.  Add some soothing music, a candle, and some aromatherapy, and create a little mini-spa experience right in your own home!

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How to Have More Down Time

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Happy first day of spring! It’s time for warmer weather, more sunshine, and time outdoors!

Spring is the perfect time to check in with yourself. Think about your everyday life for a minute.  Is being busy a badge of honor for you? We place such a high value on being productive, that we forget how important it is to chill out. The truth is that taking the time to relax your brain and body will actually make you more productive and a happier person. Time off let’s you come back to work refreshed and energized.

We ALL need more down time – time to veg out, be lazy, relax, and rejuvinate! Here’s how to have more of it:

1. Schedule it.

Yes, you may have to actually put regular down time in your calendar or save an entire day during the week. It’s really easy to let other priorities take over, and before you know it your supposed relaxation time can be taken over by other things. This is why we suggest scheduling your time off. Take Sunday as your unplugged day. Or maybe spend every Thursday night in a cozy spot with a book and cup of tea and no other distractions!

And here’s another tip: you’ll also want to think about weekends away. We tend to schedule our longer vacations because we have to give advance notice at work or have other plans in place to make them happen.  But weekends can slip by. So take some time now and plan a few fun weekend getaways – the mountains, the beach, whatever calls to you. Add those to your calendar as well.

2. Be vigilant.

You know yourself better than anyone else. What distracts you?  If you know you can’t be trusted to layoff of email or social media, have a no laptop and/or cell phone rule on your relaxation days.

What creates stress for you? If you’re unable to enjoy time off because of things hanging over your head – work projects, house chores – schedule specific time for those things too. You’ll probably be able to rest and enjoy with much more ease once you’ve cleared your head and are conscious about how you intend to spend your time.

You’ll also want to be vigilant about protecting your time from other’s agendas. Once your down time is scheduled, make it non negotiable, no matter what!

3. Plan Ahead.

Consider what you’d like to do on your day off. Are you a stay in bed all day, lounger type? If so you might want to find a good book to read or stock up on some magazines for pure entertainment! Be sure your bed is extra comfy with clean sheets and plenty of pillows and blankets. Get your cozy on!

Do you spend most of your days in a cubicle and need more time outside? Hang the hammock. Pack the picnic basket. Search out some new hiking trails. Whatever you want to do, be sure you’re ready and you have what you need so you can make the most of your day!

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Get Creative in Your PJs!

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by Becky Boyd, The Pajama Company Editor

Despite what many people think, it’s not just artists who possess the ability to be creative – the truth is that we are all naturally creative. Creativity expresses itself in many ways in our world – whether it’s the teacher designing an enriching learning experience for her students, an entrepreneur building a new business, or a writer penning his latest novel.

Creativity is a way to approach things.  And when it gets down to it, it’s all about each person expressing their own thoughts and originality.  Getting creative engages the right side of your brain rather than the analytical left side, which can be a real switch for a lot of people who are so used to valuing their thinking mind above all else.

So how can you consciously engage and capture your own creativity?

1. Allow Yourself the Freedom to be Comfortable

Doing things the same old way can stunt your creativity.  Sometimes what you really need is to break out of the norm.  We’ve talked about talked about doing your best work in your pajamas before.  Allowing yourself to relax is a great way to let ideas flow, and what better attire than in your comfy, cozy pajamas, right?  Whether you’re working on a legal brief, writing your dissertation, painting your first masterpiece, or cooking a gourmet meal,  lounging in your pajamas can help you to get into a totally different creative zone and may even insight you to look at your project in a whole new way.  All hail pajama time!

2. Keep a Notebook on Your Nightstand

Sometimes the best ideas come while you’re relaxed and asleep – whether its during a dream or in the time between sleep and wake. This is because we have access to our subconscious minds during sleep.  Famous creators Billy Joel, Stephen King, and Salvador Dali all reported that their dreams influenced their creative work in various ways.  The best way to capture this creativity is to write down your ideas as soon as you wake up.  So make a habit of keeping a notebook near your bed!

3. Journaling

We’ve mentioned the benefits of writing in a journal in a previous post, particularly in helping you to capture your goals and dreams. But, this activity can really help boost your creativity as well because it allows you to get new ideas out without your inner critic getting in the way.  Writing is a forum for free flow of thought, that might not otherwise take place without pen and paper!

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The Art of Napping

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the art of napping, cat, the pajama companyAt The Pajama Company, we think there are two kinds of people in the world: those who nap and those who don’t.  It could be the fact that we’re obsessed with all things sleep and relaxation, but we think naps rate high up there on the list of the good things in life!

After all, what can be better than taking  a break for some relaxation and rejuvenation time?  And, contrary to what you may have heard, naps do not make you lazy.  In fact taking a nap can actually help you to be more productive and creative and can boost your health.

Here are some tips to get the most out of your naps…

Keep it Short

A short nap can do wonders to help you feel better and perk you up, especially if you’ve been concentrating hard or doing something physical and feel tired.  It’s best to keep your naps to about 20 to 30 minutes so that you can wake up and feel alert afterwards.  If you sleep much longer than that you run the risk of waking up groggy or possibly not being able to wake up at all.  Of course if it’s a rainy weekend, we say stay in your pajamas and nap all day if you like!

Keep it to the Afternoon

Mid afternoon is the optimal time to nap.  This is the time during your day that you usually need it the most.  Your blood sugar typically takes a dip around this time, soon after you had lunch, which can make you feel tired. Napping earlier in the afternoon rather than later will also help to avoid disturbing your normal sleep schedule.

Find a Cozy Nap Spot

Unless I’m sick, I prefer not to nap in my bed.  I choose the couch instead, which I think helps me to keep to shorter nap time.  But find what works for you.  Some people like to nap on top of their bed – without getting under the covers – which is also a good idea.  Either way allows you to be cozy without getting into bed completely.  Be sure to have a light blanket on hand.  You also may want to set an alarm if you don’t tend to wake easily.

If you’re in the office and can’t lay down, close your door and rest your head on your desk.  You may want to grab a sweater or something soft to put under your head and maybe drape your jacket around your shoulders.  This may seem out of the ordinary, but I challenge you to try it and see how you feel.  I’m willing to bet you’ll emerge refreshed and ready to go!

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How to Get a Good Night’s Sleep

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I don’t know about you, but there is nothing like getting a bad night’s sleep to throw off my day. When I’m sleep deprived, it affects my concentration and productivity, my overall mood and mindset, and makes it hard to get through the day.

We know that quality sleep is necessary for overall health and peace of mind.  Sleeping gives our bodies and brains time to relax and rejuvenate.  Just like eating, sleep is necessary for our survival.

Stress can be a big factor in sleeping well – whether it hampers your ability to get to sleep or it wakes you up in the middle of the night.  Lots of other factors can come between you and restful sleep – whether it’s eating patterns, your ability to get comfortable, or what you do leading up to bedtime.

Here are some tips to help you slip effortlessly into dream land…

Keep to a schedule.

Try to go to bed and wake up at the same time each night – even on weekends.  According to the Mayo Clinic, keeping to a consistent schedule sets up your sleep-wake cycle, and will help you to get better quality sleep.

Give yourself time to wind down. 

In the hour or so before your bed time, its best to avoid stressful or over stimulating activities, and give yourself time to transition into sleep mode. If you have a demanding job, steer clear of checking email just before bed. In fact, it’s best to leave the phone and computer in another room while you sleep. If you typically watch TV shows at night, choose shows that aren’t violent or over stimulating. Reading a light book or magazine can be a great way to ease you into relaxation.

Watch what you eat in the hours before bed time. 

Anything you eat about 2 to 3 hours before bed time has the potential to affect your sleep.  Limit the alcohol and caffeine, and instead try a relaxing herbal tea chamomile or lavender tea. Sleepytime tea is a great option too!

Take a warm bath or shower.

One of my favorite night time rituals is to take a hot bath before bed. I’ve always found it very soothing and relaxing.  Apparently there is some science behind it as well, as mentioned in this article on health.com. It goes something like this: when you fall asleep your body temperature naturally falls. Taking a hot bath raises your temperature a few degrees higher than normal, and then creates a steeper plummet, sending you off into a nice deep slumber.

Wear comfortable pajamas. (Of course!)

Whatever you choose to wear to bed, it should be loose and comfortable. Get rid of any pjs that don’t fit you properly or have irritating features like scratchy fabric or annoying elastic. Pick pajamas that work for you and make you feel good! Some people are more comfortable in shorts than pants, and others prefer a nightshirt to a two-piece pair of jammies. You might even love a one-piece pair of footed pajamas!

Make sure your bedroom supports good sleeping.

Be sure your bed, pillows, and blankets are truly comfortable. Pillows wear out over time and if they are not supporting your neck properly, it can make it tough to get good sleep. You also want to make make sure your room is quiet and dark.  A noise machine or fan can help drown out sounds that may wake you during the night. If your bedroom is not dark enough, try black-out curtains or wearing an eye mask to keep the light out.

We want to hear from you – what are your tips for getting a good night’s rest?  Share with us below in the comments!

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Do you need a Pajama Day?

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need a pajama day

Every now and then, we all need a Pajama Day. A Pajama Day is a day just for you – to stay home and be comfortable and cozy in your pjs. It’s all about slowing down and doing nothing. No agendas, no work, pure relaxation. It’s a day to read a book, sip some tea, or maybe watch your favorite movie. Just be.

So many of us get caught up in the rat race of life, that we don’t consciously realize when it’s time for a rest. If you are having trouble getting a good night’s sleep, feeling irritable, or experiencing a lot of stress – it’s time for you to take a Pajama Day! If you’ve just delivered a big project or met a deadline at work or school, chances are you are in need of some down time.

One of the keys to truly enjoying your Pajama Day is to acknowledge that it’s ok to take it! We often don’t understand that we deserve a break. We actually feel guilty about taking some rejuvenating time just for ourselves. We feel like we need to constantly be striving and working and hustling and doing. Let’s face it – it’s our culture. But we are here to tell you that you are allowed to have a day off to do nothing once in a while!

The truth is that taking a breather now and again will serve you and help you to avoid burning out. You will return to “regular” life refreshed and with more energy. Chances are you’ll be even more productive than you would have been if you hadn’t taken some time off. You’ll feel better and reduce your chances of getting sick.

Here are some tips to make sure you have a truly relaxing Pajama Day:

1. If you have to call in sick or take a personal day, do what you need to ensure that you’re off the clock!

2. Don’t forget to turn off the cell phone. Click on your “out of office” responder email and unplug.

3. Since you’re off all day and not cooking, tell your family to bring home food for dinner.

4. Make sure you have some yummy snacks on hand. Chocolate is really important here!

5. A good novel and your favorite magazines are essential.

6. And of course, don’t get dressed.  Stay in your most loved, cozy PJs!

…Oh, and be sure not to make the bed – you’ll need it for napping!

We want to know — what are your tips for a relaxing day off?  Tell us in the comments below!

Pajama Happiness at The End of The Day

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It’s been another long, hard day. You fought your boss over an unreasonable deadline, fought the lines at the grocery store, and fought traffic to get back home. You’ve been fighting a headache all day, and now you have to fight to get the kids to do their homework, eat their veggies and get in the shower.

But then, finally, the kids are in bed. You pull your pajamas from the drawer and slip them on, savoring their soft, comfy feel. You finish the ensemble with a pair of fuzzy socks and then drop, exhausted, into the recliner in the living room. You curl up under a blanket to your favorite book or television show and feel the stresses of the day melting away.

Is there anything more blissful than slipping into your favorite pair of pajamas at the end of a trying day? Whatever your personal preferences – cool cotton, cozy flannels, pj pant with tee, footies or lounger sets; gentle, subdued tones or bright, vivid colors – there is just something about pajamas that makes you happy.

Perhaps it’s the feel of the pajamas, the fabric rubbing against your skin, cool in the summer and warm in the winter, arousing your senses. Maybe it’s the ritual: the predictable, routine winding down for bed at the end of the night counteracts the chaos of the day. Or it could be purely psychological – the very act of shedding the clothing of your hectic days and donning the attire of rejuvenating sleep puts your mind at ease, getting you ready for a gentle repose. More than likely, it’s a combination of all three.

Whatever the reasons, climbing into pajamas does indeed relax the tired muscles in your body and the slow competing thoughts racing through your brain. Pajamas wash away the realities of the day and replace them with your most favorite dreams, your stargazing fantasies.

In fact, when the pressures of life become overwhelming, have you ever spent an entire Saturday in your favorite pair of pajamas? It’s the ultimate defiance against the rest of the world, against everyone telling you what to do and how to do it. You decide how to live your life. You decide to enjoy an entire day curled up on the couch in the most comfortable fabric you can fathom. The stresses of the world fade away, and the day is yours to enjoy in your calming, happy pajamas!