Weekly tips to bring island-inspired wellness into your everyday life from Rosalie Bay Resort wellness coordinator Laura Lund.
At this busy time, and throughout the year, it’s important to remember to take time to relax.
Relaxation induces a physiological response that slows the brain waves, breath and heart rate, and decreases blood pressure. It has been used to treat headaches, anxiety, depression, insomnia, pain and stress, as well as help manage addictions.
The techniques used in relaxation break the train of thought. When you relax intentionally you stop, listen and become receptive. It is not an act of doing but rather being, while present and relaxed.
When you relax, alpha brain waves will first kick in. These are slow brain waves, 8 to 12 cycles per minute, which stimulates a relaxation response. Digestion improves as the parasympathetic nervous system takes over.
In deeper relaxation, sometimes the slower theta brain waves (4 to 7 cycles per minute) take over. These brain waves allow you to feel a sense of calm, serenity and happiness. No matter what stress is going on in your life, you cannot be stressed while relaxing.
In yoga, we end the class with guided relaxation where we focus on releasing each of the muscles and slowing the brain waves. While at Rosalie Bay Resort, join us for yoga in the gazebo.
You can also bring conscious relaxation into your daily life at home. Start with 15 minutes where you consciously and systematically tell the body to relax while focusing on deep diaphragmatic breathing.