August 15th is National Relaxation Day!

It’s National Relaxation Day!

Perhaps you’ve never heard of this holiday…well, I hadn’t either until a few years ago.

It fits perfectly into my passion to support more people in having less stress and more relaxation in mind body and spirit!

Here’s some “fun” information I gleaned from the http://www.holidayscalendar.com/event/national-relaxation-day/. (in italics)

I have added my thoughts! (non italic!)

National Relaxation Day – celebrated on August 15th every year – is a holiday for people to take a break from their hectic lives and to smell the proverbial roses. On this holiday, people are encouraged to engage in activities that not only rest their bodies but also their minds as well. Some of these activities include taking the day off of work, taking a relaxing walk or perhaps spending the day in front on the television.

Ok, I liked what they said up until the last sentence that included spending the day in front of the television!!! Yikes! Perhaps a couple of hours in front of the TV is ok to just “veg,” if you are not a regular tv watcher, but I think there are far more better ways to really rest your mind and body that are so more much empowering!

Ways to relax that will empower your mind and body!

• Read a “fun” book for a couple of hours
• Take a siesta in the shade at your local park
• Take a walk in nature
• Listen to a guided relaxation audio (click here to see HH’s Audio Store)
• Go for a leisurely swim
• Sit in a hot tub
• Journal
• Go to the movies during the day! (something light and easy!)
• Play your favorite music and sing out loud!
• Paint, draw, color

History

While the origins of National Relaxation Day aren’t all that clear, many people attribute this holiday to a similar British holiday called Slacker’s Day that was invented in the UK in 2001. It also isn’t clear how many people actually celebrate this holiday either. After all, citizens of the United States take the fewest holidays (or vacation days) than residents of any other country.

It’s interesting that the British holiday is called “Slacker’s Day,” That name certainly implies a negative attitude about taking time off for relaxation.

Let’s not take the Brits’ attitude about this holiday!

We need a change in the culture of the United States! Studies show when people take vacations, time off, or holidays without working, they come back refreshed and are far more productive than when they don’t take time off for pleasure!

Customs, Traditions And Celebrations

This unofficial holiday is celebrated by different people in different ways. Some people spend the day lounging around the house, some may take relaxing morning walks, and some people may sleep in. However, that isn’t the only ways to spend this important day.

Over the past few years, it has been suggested that not only should people relax on this day, but that they should also unplug from all of their electronic devices; devices such as tablets, cell phones and computers, as well as the Internet.

Ok, now that you’ve read all about National Relaxation Day…what will you do today to really relax your body and your mind?

Please share what you will do on this “unofficial” holiday for relaxation, so others can benefit from your example!

Let’s encourage one another to have more relaxation and have far less stress and anxiety in our lives!

Comments below!