top of page

Are You Really Relaxing? Here’s Why You Might Not Be…

Writer's picture: Tran RatcliffeTran Ratcliffe

Updated: Jan 31

What comes to mind when someone asks, “How do you relax?


Probably things you enjoy doing in your free time—reading a book, binge-watching Netflix, scrolling through your phone, or working on a hobby, right?


Now, do you want the good news or the bad news first?


Let’s start with the good news: these activities do help you unwind. They bring you joy, allow you to disconnect from daily stress, and give you a sense of fulfilment. If your goal is to escape the hustle, have fun, or develop a skill, then these are great ways to spend your time.



If your main goals are to escape the hustle and bustle of hectic everyday stress, to develop personal skills, or just simply enjoy the process, then those activities are perfect for what you want.


But here’s the bad news… If you’re trying to truly relax and reset your mind and body, these activities may not be as effective as you think.


 

Why not?


Because they still keep your brain and body active in ways that prevent deep relaxation:


  • Reading or watching TV: requires focus—you’re absorbing information, following storylines, and keeping your mind stimulated.

  • Crafting or doing hobbies: requires hand-eye coordination, planning, and decision-making, keeping your brain stimulated.

  • Scrolling social media: gives you an endless stream of new content, triggering dopamine spikes—the brain’s pleasure and reward chemical. The more dopamine you get, the more you crave, making it addictive and leading to hours of doom-scrolling instead of winding down.




At this point, you might be wondering: So what does real relaxation look like?


 

The Truth About Relaxation


Simply put, the less you engage your mind and body, the better.


We live in a world filled with constant stimulation—social media, notifications, endless to-do lists. Even when we think we’re unwinding, our brains remain overstimulated, and our bodies stay tense without us even realizing it.



Take a moment and think back to a time when you felt stressed or nervous.

Did you notice your shoulders tensing? Your jaw clenching? Maybe your stomach felt tight, or your heart was beating faster?


Now imagine experiencing that low-level tension every single day without proper relaxation. Over time, this builds up, keeping you in a cycle of stress and exhaustion. This subtle tension can even lead to headaches, migraines, or muscle pain.



When you take time to truly relax, you allow your body and mind to reset. Relaxation helps you:


  • Ease anxiety, panic attacks and release tension, so you feel refreshed and recharged.

  • Improve focus, so you can concentrate on what truly matters.

  • Reconnect with your body, so you feel more in control instead of running on autopilot.


This brings us to the next question...


 

How Can You Actually Relax?


The best way to relax is to do less or do nothing—even just 10-15 minutes a day can make a difference. Here are some proven methods:


  • Breathwork: One of the quickest ways to calm your nervous system, telling your brain and body it’s safe to relax.

  • Guided meditation: Uses breathwork and mindfulness to help you tune out distractions and stay present.

  • Yoga: Combines breathwork, mindful movement, and deep stretches to release built-up tension and promote overall relaxation.





If you’re already practicing one or two of these, great! Keep going—consistency is key to feeling more calm and balanced.


But here’s something to think about…


What about those moments when stress hits? When you’re about to speak in a meeting, walk into a social event, or face a challenging situation?


Wouldn’t it be powerful to bring that sense of calm and stillness with you whenever you need it?


This is where hypnotherapy comes in. Hypnotherapy takes relaxation to the next level by guiding you into a deep state of calm while rewiring your mind for confidence and ease.


It combines:


  • Breathwork: To regulate your nervous system and release stress.

  • Guided visualization: To mentally rehearse challenging situations so you feel prepared for real life.

  • Positive affirmations:To boost confidence, reduce anxiety, and shift your mindset


Hypnotherapy doesn’t just help you relax in the moment—it helps you rewire your response to stress, so you feel calmer and more in control every day.


 

Ready to take the next step?


Hypnotherapy is one of the core pillars of The Quiet Confident Way, my signature methodology for introverted women struggling with social anxiety.



Want to learn how hypnotherapy can help introverts like you relax, reset, and feel more at ease in social situations? Read more about it here.


Or if you’re ready to feel comfortable and at ease around others, see how I can help you here.



4 views0 comments

Recent Posts

See All

Comments


Dalestorth Close, Sutton-in-Ashfield

Nottinghamshire, NG17 4EH

tran@mindfulzen.com

+44 7903 327676

Contact Me

© Mindful Zen

how to overcome social anxiety
social anxiety therapy
bottom of page