11/08/2026
We don’t talk about Relaxation very much sadly. This pillar is so important and we must find time to relax to enjoy life in its fullness. In our culture this can be hard. There are many pressures to be busy. When we truly relax, the body undergoes measurable clinical changes:
✅ Cortisol & adrenaline decrease – reducing heart rate and blood pressure
✅ Breathing slows & deepens – improving oxygen flow
✅ Muscles loosen – reducing tension and pain
✅ Digestion improves – as blood returns to the gut
✅ Immune function strengthens – promoting healing and resilience
✅ Mental clarity & emotional balance improve – reducing anxiety and increasing focus
What does Relaxation do to the body?
* Relaxation techniques have been shown to lower blood pressure, improve sleep, and even enhance brain function (Benson et al., 2000, Harvard Medical School).
* People who regularly practice relaxation (Walking, Mindfulness, Meditation, Yoga, Pilates or deep breathing) show lower markers of inflammation and stress-related diseases (Pascoe et al., 2017, Psychoneuroendocrinology).
* Even 10 minutes of deep breathing or meditation can significantly reduce stress hormones (Goyal et al., 2014, JAMA Internal Medicine).
We can often feel guilty when we relax, we get many messages to be busy, optimise and productive. Therefore we need to actively choose to Relax. My encouragement is to choose one small thing to do today and build on that - I have restarted my meditation app called “The Way” by Henry Shukman Shukman - I find it helps me start the day. You can change the length of meditation from either 10 minutes to 30 minutes depending upon your time. I like Henry’s voice - very relaxing and no pressure.
I would love to know the ways you relax? Please share your strategies, everyone is different and good to hear other ways to Relax. Have a lovely day. 📸 by Ray Burmiston ♥️
