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Slow down… breath, and relax. National Relaxation Day is all about winding down and just taking it easy. If you’re lucky enough to have the day off work, enjoy a quiet morning watching TV from the sofa, and perhaps consider some light gardening in the afternoon – all in the spirit of relaxing!

Learn about National Relaxation Day

Have you been feeling stressed lately? This is a feeling that more and more of us are becoming familiar with. Life poses so many challenges nowadays, from looking after children to longer work hours, and it can often feel like you have the weight of the world on your shoulders. This is why National Relaxation Day is so important. It gives us the chance to unwind and focus on nothing but pure relaxation.

National Relaxation Day is a vital day for everyone. We all need to have a break from time-to-time. We can’t deny that life seems to be lived at a faster pace than ever before. We all have responsibilities. This could be work responsibilities, family responsibilities, financial responsibilities, or a combination of them all! We can put so much stress and pressure on our bodies and minds, and this is why we all need to take time to recuperate so that we do not burn out.

History of National Relaxation Day

National Relaxation Day was founded back in 1985 by Sean Moeller. He was only a fourth-grader at the time. He suggested that on this date people should not do anything of real value. He highlighted that real work and cleaning are not parts of relaxation. Sounds like music to our ears, right? Sometimes, children have the best ideas!

Although the date was created in 1985, Moeller himself is still very committed to the cause today. In fact, as of 2016, he has been recognizing one person every year on this date for having a significant proclivity for relaxation. You can spend some time looking at the different people he has chosen and the reasons why.

A lot of charities, media organizations, and public institutions post on social media on this date. This includes the likes of the US Army, Sport England, The New Scientist, the Mental Health Foundation, and BBC Earth, so it is a pretty big deal!

National Relaxation Day Timeline

1908

Dr. Edmund Jacobson studies relaxation 

Starting at Harvard University and then moving on to Cornell and University of Chicago, with research aimed toward improving the general well-being of humans.[1]

1920s

Jacobson’s Relaxation Technique is introduced

Helping patients deal with anxiety, Dr. Edmund Jacobson believes that relaxing the muscles can help to relax the mind as well.[2]

1975

Book “The Relaxation Response” is released

Offering meditation practices that can be connected to daily activities, this book by Benson & Klipper becomes very popular for patients of clinical psychologists.[3]

1983

Frankie Goes to Hollywood releases song “Relax”

Though popular with young people, this song doesn’t sit well with the sensors and BBC ends up banning it. Even so, the song remains in the top 40 charts for 37 weeks.[4]

1985

First National Relaxation Day is celebrated 

Proposed by Sean Moeller, a nine-year old from Michigan, National Relaxation Day is first observed.[5]

How to celebrate National Relaxation Day

Why not treat yourself to a spa day or a pamper day? You don’t need us to tell you that a hot tub is relaxing. What could be better than sitting in a warm tub with the water massaging your body? It can help you to unwind and get a bit of you-time. However, the benefits extend a lot further than this, as spas are proven to reduce both mental and physical stress.

In regards to the former, it is important to take some time to yourself so you can relax otherwise everything can get on top of you. If your relationship is proving to be stressful at the moment, a hot tub is a great way to spend some precious moments together. Aside from this, spa days can assist with the reduction of physical stress throughout the body.

This is thanks to the warm bubbly water, which helps to lower blood pressure, improve circulation, and create an overall feeling of relaxation and general well being. It is no exaggeration to say that you can feel like a new person. So, why not treat yourself to a spa day, or if you really feel like spurling, you can even treat yourself to a hot tub for your home so that every day is National Relaxation Day?

There are many other ways that you can relax and unwind. It is all about figuring out what works for you, and what truly enables you to relax. And no; this does not mean that you can watch television while checking your emails on your laptop. That’s not relaxing. You don’t truly switch off if you still have your laptop in front of you. This is why you need to make sure that your only focus on this date is truly relaxing. You need to find your inner zen. What makes you wind down and feel completely at peace?

In fact, one of our favorite things to do on this date is to have a digital detox. Use this day to put away your mobile phone, unplug from the computer, and stay away from social media. Of course, we will give you an exception if you want to do a post the evening before or the morning of National Relaxation Day, letting everyone know that you will be switching off and relaxing, and that you encourage them to do the same. We are so tech-focused these days, and switching off can be the best way to truly relax and focus on what makes you happy.

There are many different activities you can do on National Relaxation Day. This includes going for a gentle swim or playing a game of golf. You can also watch sports, enjoy drinks with friends or go out for lunch. Some people find window shopping relaxing; others find it very stressful, so it is all about finding what works for you. This could be watching a movie, taking some photos, having a nice countryside drive, walking along the beach, going for a picnic, fishing with a friend, or reading a book. There are no rules, so long as you find what you are doing relaxing.

You can also look for different ways to make your home more relaxing on this date. Do you struggle to get comfy on your sofa? Is snuggling up and watching the soaps on an evening somewhat of an impossible task? If so, why not treat yourself to a new sofa to celebrate National Relaxation Day. A low-level sofa could be the perfect treat.

A low-level sofa can help with back and neck pain by ensuring you adopt the correct posture while sitting. Plus, there is no denying that one of the main benefits associated with low-level seating is the improved comfort they provide. Low-level sofas create a relaxed and laid-back vibe, allowing you to unwind when you get in from a hard day’s work.

Of course, there are plenty of other ways to make your home more relaxing as well. This includes investing in plush cushions, as well as other soft textiles and textures. You can also de-clutter your home, ensuring the space is good for the mind. Why not bring in some relaxing scents? Plants can also work well too.

National Relaxation Day FAQs

When did National Relaxation Day start?

The first National Relaxation Day was celebrated in 1985 when it was suggested by a nine-year-old from Clio, Michigan.[1]

Who started National Relaxation Day?

As the grandson of William D. Chase of Chase’s Calendar of Annual Events, Sean Moeller suggested that the day be added to the calendar. Moeller and his wife have continued to be involved in the day.[2]

How to celebrate National Relaxation Day?

Observing this day may require taking the day off work! Or just taking a long lunch break filled with an armchair massage, soothing music or drinking some detoxifying green tea with honey.[3]

When is National Relaxation Day?

Celebrated in the middle of summer, National Relaxation Day takes place on August 15 of each year.[4]

What is National Relaxation Day?

This is the perfect day to reduce stress, minimize anxiety and just generally chill out and enjoy life for once![5]

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