When I sat down with Olivia Harper, a wellness enthusiast and lifestyle coach, she was keen to share her insights on what it truly means to unwind. With a calm demeanour and a warm smile, Olivia revealed her personal journey of learning to relax, a process that many of us can relate to in our tech-saturated, fast-paced lives. Olivia’s approach is refreshingly practical, focusing on six main strategies that have significantly improved her ability to disconnect and recharge.
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1. Prioritise Tech-Free Time
Olivia began our conversation by addressing the ever-present challenge of technology. “It’s so easy to get lost in the digital world,” she admitted. “I used to end my days scrolling through social media, only to find myself more wound up than before.” Her turning point came when she instituted a no-screens rule for an hour before bedtime. “It was tough at first,” she confessed, “but easing into it with 15-minute increments helped.” Instead of succumbing to the lure of her phone, Olivia now indulges in reading or simply enjoys the quietness of her own thoughts. This conscious effort to unplug has not only helped her sleep better but also made her evenings feel more restorative.
2. Try a Tasty Treat for Relaxation
“Who doesn’t love a good treat?” Olivia laughed, recalling her discovery of using food as a relaxation tool. While she’s mindful of maintaining a balanced diet, she sometimes indulges in a small, enjoyable snack as a way to unwind. “It’s more about the experience,” she explained. “Pairing a small treat with a good book or a cosy moment on the couch can be incredibly soothing.” For Olivia, it’s about savouring the moment rather than the treat itself, which helps shift her mind into a more relaxed state.
3. Move Your Body (Without Turning It Into a Workout)
Exercise, in its traditional form, isn’t always what Olivia reaches for when she needs to unwind. Instead, she embraces gentle movement, like a stroll through her neighbourhood or simply dancing in her living room. “I realised that movement doesn’t have to be intense to be beneficial,” she said. “A walk outdoors, feeling the fresh air, can do wonders for the mind.” Olivia highlighted how these simple activities release endorphins, lifting her mood and breaking the cycle of stress. “It’s about enjoying the movement, not ticking off a workout from the list,” she emphasised.
4. Experiment With Creative Outlets
Creativity, for Olivia, serves as both an escape and a form of expression. “I picked up painting during a particularly stressful period,” she shared, “and it became my sanctuary.” For Olivia, the act of creating isn’t about producing a masterpiece but about engaging with the process itself. “It’s therapeutic,” she noted, “and it allows me to focus on something purely for enjoyment.” Whether it’s painting, writing, or even trying out new recipes, Olivia finds that these creative pursuits offer a break from routine and a chance to reconnect with oneself.
5. Build a Ritual You Look Forward To
Olivia is a firm believer in the power of rituals. “Just as we have morning routines to kickstart our day, evening rituals can signal that it’s time to wind down,” she explained. Her personal ritual involves brewing a cup of herbal tea and sitting in a quiet spot to reflect on her day. “It’s my signal to relax,” she said. Olivia emphasised that the key is consistency and choosing something you genuinely enjoy. Over time, these small rituals can create a comforting structure, making it easier to transition into a state of calm.
6. Connect With Nature
Finally, Olivia spoke passionately about the grounding effects of nature. “There’s something magical about being outside,” she remarked. Olivia makes a point to spend time in natural settings, whether it’s a local park or simply her garden. “Even a few moments outdoors can make a big difference,” she added. On days when stepping out isn’t possible, she brings nature indoors with plants or listens to nature sounds. “It’s about finding a way to incorporate nature into your day, no matter where you are,” she advised.
In a world where the pressure to always be ‘on’ is relentless, Olivia Harper’s experiences remind us of the importance of finding personal strategies to unwind. Her journey highlights that relaxation is not a one-size-fits-all approach, but rather a personal exploration of what truly brings peace and joy. As she concluded our conversation, Olivia left me with a simple, yet powerful thought: “Unwinding is a skill, one that takes practice and patience. But once you find what works for you, it transforms your relationship with stress and brings a greater sense of balance to everyday life.”
Fabrice Fèvre
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