Whether it be the decline of sales, disgruntled employees, missed project deadlines or other workplace challenges, many business owners and managers function from the point of view that solving problems is all about working harder, pushing more, demanding improvement of themselves and their employees forcefully. What if this is backward? What if the use of force creates stress, which in turn reduces effectiveness?
 

What if it’s not an either-or universe? What if it’s not productivity or being at peace? What if taking the time to do things that are nurturing for you and your body would actually allow you to create more in a much easier way? What if the fastest way to achievement is through the art of relaxation?

It is important to recognize that relaxation is not laziness, and it’s not unproductive. Relaxation is an action, something you actively choose, and when you are in relaxation, you can be present with what is happening around you. This allows you to have more awareness, which then causes you to accomplish and create more.

Here are five tips on how to embrace relaxation in the workplace, thereby reducing stress and enhancing well-being:

1. Start by Asking Questions

As with any new idea or concept that is being introduced into the workplace, it all starts with you. What you choose and how you operate filters down to your employees. If you are resistant to the idea of relaxation, it might be because you have decided that relaxation is something that it isn’t. Be willing to explore by asking questions.

Here are some questions you can ask:
 

• What is relaxation for me?
• What actually brings me joy?
• What would I like to create with my life?
• What is it that I would like to choose?

Whatever you discover as you ask these questions, commit to choosing towards it. Present these questions to your staff as well. Give them a few days to explore and then ask for their feedback.

2. Stop Judging You

How long does it take when you wake up in the morning for you to start judging you? Judging your business? Comparing yourself to others? Analyzing if your success is enough? Judgment drowns out relaxation.

What if, just for a day, you didn’t judge your business, your money, your employees, your body, your partner, or your family? If that sounds like a bit of a leap, here is something you can try. Every time you notice a judgment, say to yourself, “Interesting point of view. I have that point of view.” Keep saying it until you feel yourself beginning to relax. Our points of view about anything create stress and tension in our bodies. When our points of view are simply interesting, we stop believing them as true, which allows us to let them go.

3. Spend Time in Nature

Your body naturally relaxes in nature, so take time away from your desk and/or computer. Listen to the space around you and be present. When you are in nature or a place that is peaceful to you, oftentimes new ideas spark, and solutions present themselves.

4. Do Something for You

One of the greatest assets that you have in business and in life is your awareness. Awareness is not cognitive, nor is it linear. Awareness is somewhat like intuition. It’s your ability to know and perceive things without having the actual information or facts available to you. When you are frantic and overwhelmed, you are cutting off your awareness. Reclaim it! Get up and go do something for you. Even if it is for a minute or two. Walk around. Make a phone call. Water your plants, put your feet in the earth, and/or connect with nature. Do something enjoyable for you and your body, and before going back to work, ask, “Where is my energy required right now? Is it required right now?”

5. Experience a Relaxation Technique (BARS)

Behaviorally Anchored Rating Scale or BARS is a light 45-minute stress-reducing technique where a practitioner holds various points on your head. It has been implemented in workplaces worldwide to help with stress and employees' well-being. For me, a Bars session helps with relaxation and creation. There are practitioners all over the world so find one near you and book a session. Even a 20-30-minute session once per week has the potential to dynamically reduce stress.

While it can seem counterintuitive to choose relaxation when there is much to do, relaxation creates the mental and emotional space that allows you to work faster, smarter, and with more ease. Be willing to be curious about what relaxation is by asking questions and exploring. Judging yourself, others and the circumstances at hand will only lead to greater stress, so let judgment go. Spend time in nature. When you notice that you are not in a state of relaxation, disrupt that pattern. Get up, move your body, and do something that is fun for you. If you wish to experience a whole new level of relaxation, I invite you to check out BARS. It is truly one of the greatest things I have discovered.

Remember, relaxation is an action, and it is a choice. It is an energy you infuse into everything you do. Why not give relaxation a try? You might be surprised to see that not only do you feel better, but everything gets easier, and what you accomplish increases exponentially.

Author Bio

Simone Milasas is an innovative business leader, author, and an Advanced Facilitator with Access Consciousness®️. Learn more at www.simonemilasas.com.

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