What if we told you that there’s a day dedicated to slowing down and chilling out, with zero guilt and zero regret? National Relaxation Day on August 15th is all about hitting the pause button on your busy schedule and putting your feet up. See if choosing to focus on doing less actually helps you create space for more joy and peace!
Many of us complain that there isn’t enough time in the day. We’re constantly too busy and too committed to checking off item after item on our never-ending to-do lists. We forget that rest is just as important as work. We lose appreciation for experiencing the here and now. When we fall into a pattern of constantly “doing” instead of being, we can burn out and lose that sense of santosha or contentment in our lives.
Santosha is one of the Niyamas, which are a set of moral observances and the second step of the eight-limbed yoga path. Santosha is the state of mind where you are content with your life exactly as it is in the moment. You’re not striving for something to happen in the future, nor dwelling on something that occurred in the past. To cultivate a true sense of happiness, focus on gratitude and joy for yourself and your life right now. National Relaxation Day is the perfect opportunity to slow down and enjoy life.
If you usually take vigorous, sweaty yoga classes, consider taking one created to help you relax instead of invigorate. We experience our “yoga state” through mindful breathing and movement. This week’s classes celebrate working less and chilling out more. When you slow down, you can experience and be grateful for each and every breath, which in turn helps you be as relaxed as possible.
Take some time this week to celebrate and delight in relaxation! These classes are all perfect to celebrate National Relaxation Day––heck, even make it National Relaxation Week!
Jackie Casal Mahrou - Everyday Gentle Hatha
Channing Grivas - Super Lazy Restorative
Caitlin Rose Kenney - Yin Yoga & Breathwork for Relaxation