Written by Elizabeth Smith Miller, Director of Marketing and Events, National Safe Place Network

Sometimes when one hears the word “relax,” it’s followed up with “Relax? Who has time for that?” “If only.” “It must be nice.” “I can’t turn my mind off long enough to relax.” “If I relax, who’s going to do the work, take care of the kids, and so on . . . ?” But did you know relaxing is actually important for your health? Here are “10 Health Benefits of Relaxation” shared by The Huffington Post:

1. Relaxing protects your heart.
2. Relaxing lowers your risk of catching a cold.
3. Relaxing boosts your memory.
4. Relaxing lowers your risk of stroke.
5. Relaxing keeps you safe from depression.
6. Relaxing helps you make better decisions.
7. Relaxing keeps you slim.
8. Relaxing eases acne.
9. Relaxing will keep you in the mood.
10. Relaxing could slow breast cancer.

Lucky for you (if you’re one who’s guilty of having the thoughts mentioned above), we found “40 Ways to Relax in 5 Minutes or Less.” Some of these suggestions include the following:

• Nosh on chocolate.
• Lay your head on a cushion or pillow.
• Remember to breathe.
• Rub your feet over a golf ball.
• Drip cold water on your wrists.
• Look out the window/find the sun.
• Stretch.
• Listen to your favorite song.
• Sniff citrus.
• Talk to a friend.
• and 30 MORE!

We asked your NSPN family this question: “What do you do to relax?” Here’s how they take a breather:

• Laurie Jackson, President/Chief Executive Officer: “I read cookbooks, novels, etc., and I spend time ‘unplugged.’”
• Tammy Hopper, Chief Strategic Initiatives Officer: “Read, write, and photography.”
• Shauna Brooks, Principal Investigator: “To relax, I like to lose myself in a well-written book, movie, or TV show.”
• April Carthorn, General Specialist: “To relax, I lay on the floor with my dogs, have a beer and a shot of 1800, I listen to music, and people watch.”
• Sherry Casey, Operations and Administration Manager: “Read or spend time with grandkids.”
• Zach Elmore, Operations Specialist: “I like socializing after work with friends and family. I find long talks with friends as good for relaxation as any exercise.”
• Kim Frierson, Training Specialist: “Go to the movies or have a well-made cocktail.”
• Susan Harmon, Director of Safe Place National Operations: “I guess I relax by watching TV.”
• Rachel Hurst, Development Associate: “Working out is really stress relieving for me. I read voraciously. I love naps with my puppy!”
• Hillary Ladig, Communications Coordinator: “Read a book, watch a movie or TV show, or drink a delicious glass of Malbec wine.”
• Autumn Sandlin, Marketing & Communications Intern: "I’m a big fan of naps! Although, I generally take those out of necessity and not for strict relaxation. When I’m actively trying to relax, I usually put on a tv show that I like and do some sort of face mask."
• Sabrina Smith, Development Intern: "When I get too stressed, I like to go outside and hang out with our chickens! They're always so happy to see me - it's impossible to be stressed when you're surrounded by chickens."
• Elizabeth Smith Miller, Director of Marketing and Events: “I feel most relaxed when I’m snuggling with my pugs. Some people get annoyed when their dogs snore, but I find it quite calming. I think it’s because hearing them snore lets me know they are ok.”
• Eric Tadatada, Technical Assistance Specialist: “I like to read or do crossword puzzles.”

Learn more about your NSPN family at https://nspn.memberclicks.net/our-team.

What do you do to relax? National Relaxation Day is August 15; feel free to share your “go-to” relaxation ritual below.