How to induce calm when you can’t relax

Nothing is more frustrating than being unable to relax even when you feel tired, stressed, exhausted, or drained. Many people struggle to induce and enjoy calm when their minds are racing, and their bodies resist rest and recovery. If you can’t relax, here are some tips to try today.

Identify and avoid triggers

We live in a world where we are stimulated and distracted constantly. Our schedules are hectic, with high-stress levels, and we are exposed to different environments, challenges, obstacles, and scenarios.

We are all unique, and how we react and respond to different stimulants or changes in our routines or environments varies. It is often beneficial to identify triggers if you find it tough to relax and switch off.

Simple things like putting your phone down before you go to bed or spending time in a quiet place after a busy day can make a big difference. Keep a diary to help determine which settings, activities, or stressors make you feel anxious, restless, or uneasy.

Also, try to minimize exposure to known triggers. If scrolling through social media or checking work emails after you’ve left the office is making your mind race, set yourself a deadline to clock off physically and mentally.

Seek expert advice

We all go through periods when we find it hard to wind down and relax, but there is a difference between going through tough or stressful times and dealing with persistent symptoms. In some cases, an underlying cause makes it difficult for individuals to slow down, prevent their minds from racing and embrace calm.

If you find it almost impossible to rest and enjoy tranquillity even when you’re tired or craving downtime, it’s advisable to seek professional help. Attention disorders, hormonal issues, and mental health conditions are possible causes of heightened irritability, sleep troubles, and struggle to relax.

If you seek advice and are diagnosed with underlying health issues, there are often treatment options available, including treatment for ADHD and self-help techniques you can use. In the case of ADHD, doctors often recommend a combination of options, such as medication, training to adopt new skills, and coping mechanisms and therapies to help with compulsive behaviors.

Finding effective activities and techniques

We all respond to stress and changes in our routines and environments differently. If your workload has increased, you have symptoms of a mental illness or an attention deficit disorder, or you can’t switch off due to stress, it’s helpful to try different activities and techniques.

Some people find exercise relaxing while others feel calmer when they spend time outdoors. Creative hobbies and breathing exercises can also be beneficial. See what works for you. Use effective techniques to reduce the severity of symptoms or prevent unease, anxiety, and stress if you notice changes in your mood or energy levels.

Create relaxing spaces at home

Our home environment can have a huge impact on the way we feel. Ideally, your home should be a sanctuary that makes you feel safe, secure, and relaxed. If you don’t feel this way at home, you can take some simple steps to make your house feel more homely.

Start with places geared towards relaxation, such as your bedroom. Choose a soothing color palette and keep the decor simple.

Use soft lighting, avoid clashing prints and bright colors and block out light and noise when you go to bed. Add soft furnishings to create a cozy feel and keep phones and tablets out of your bedroom.

Make your bed a focal point and use cushions and throws to make the space more inviting. If you have a large room, you can use oversized floor cushions, comfy chairs, or a chaise longue to set aside a corner for reading or listening to chilled-out playlists as you prepare for bed.

Many of us feel calmer when we’re in nature. If you have a garden, no matter how big or small, try to make the most of your outdoor space.

Use plants and flowers to help you to relax, and create a seating area with a couch or a table and chairs. Or, add a hammock or bean bags, and add outdoor lights and blankets to enable you to use the area to relax all year round.

A few last words when you can’t relax

It can be difficult to relax and feel calm if you have a busy schedule or you feel like your mind is constantly racing. If you struggle to embrace and enjoy the serenity, take these tips on board.

Try to identify and avoid triggers, seek professional advice, and experiment with different activities and techniques to see what helps you to feel calmer. Try to create relaxing spaces at home too.