Tap Into the Health Benefits of Relaxation: Boost Your Memory, Memory, Immunity and More
From books to brunch, there's something for everyone
When life gets hectic, it’s important to carve out some time to embrace a slower pace and relax when you can. By tapping into the benefits of relaxation, you’ll lift your spirits, boost your memory, lower your blood pressure and more. Ready to reap the rewards of a little well-deserved R&R? Check out our research-backed tips below to get started.
6 health benefits of relaxation
You deserve to kick back and unwind! Here’s how doing so improves your health with every blissful moment.
Boost immunity with musical daydreams
Listening to soothing melodies (think Yanni) while imagining an uplifting scene (such as a peaceful meadow) lowers your risk of catching a cold. In a Southern Methodist University study, volunteers who did exactly this for 17 minutes every other day for six weeks experienced a significant rise in secretory immunoglobulin A, the immune system’s first line of defense against viruses. Lulling tunes and daydreaming work together to deeply relax you, which helps the immune system function more robustly.
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Improve your mood with a beach read
Go ahead and lose yourself for hours in a romance, cozy mystery or any other kind of novel that sparks joy. A new UK study found that diving into a fictional story delivers an increase in happiness that lasts long after you’ve turned the last page. Credit goes to uplifting plots, happy endings, characters who feel like friends and settings that spur a sense of nostalgia, all of which rev positivity and hope.
Also smart? A little pampering! A Korean study shows that indulging in a beauty treatment (like a pore-minimizing mask or manicure) in a salon or at home sends your mood soaring. These small acts of self-care increase self-esteem, spurring good feelings.
Sharpen your mind with lemonade
A surprising benefit of relaxation? A better memory. Sipping a sweet-tart glass of lemonade instantly improves your working memory, helping you keep track of multiple pieces of information at once (like steps to a recipe or instructions for an embroidery stitch). Research from Japan shows that inhaling a lemon aroma while you sip activates delta and theta brain waves, enhancing your ability to recall new information.
Tip: For a speedy way to boost your focus, try stretching. Gently tilt your head to the left, then the right, holding each pose for 15 seconds. Next, slowly roll your shoulders. Repeat twice more, and a new Korean study shows you’ll experience faster mental speed and better concentration right away. Stretching your neck and shoulder muscles increases blood flow to the brain, delivering oxygen and nutrients that help it work better.
Ward off muscle loss by napping
Snoozing in on a backyard lounger isn’t just refreshing—it also keeps your muscles strong. New research from Japan shows that regular afternoon siestas significantly lower your risk of age-related muscle loss, also known as sarcopenia. Why? The body repairs and regenerates muscle tissue during sleep, so napping gives it more time to undergo these improvements. That’s important, since strong muscles reduce the risk of falls by improving balance. Plus, they protect against fractures by helping to preserve bone density.
To boost the benefits of your mini relaxation break, try taking your nappy is a sunny spot. Just 10 minutes of afternoon sunshine a day helps replenish your body’s stores of vitamin D. And that goes a long way toward bolstering your muscles. Italian researchers explain that this nutrient supports muscle growth and repair.
Lower blood pressure with brunch buddies
Inviting friends or family to catch up over a long meal is good medicine for your heart. Duke University scientists found that people who regularly spend quality time with loved ones have significantly lower blood pressure readings than those who don’t connect as often. The researchers say that strong social bonds remind you that others care for you and are there to help when needed. This reduces worry, which eases pressure on blood vessels and allows for greater blood flow.
Head off stress by savoring each moment
Next time you’re doing something enjoyable (like standing on cool grass with bare feet), try focusing all your attention on the experience. Think about what you love most about it, such as how soft and ticklish the grass feels. Research out of Egypt shows that savoring moments like these prevents stress from spiking in other parts of your day. That’s because it makes you more aware of the positives in life, so hassles seem smaller and easier to handle.
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