What's the story with "Unwind"?

I hear and read it a lot: We’re asked, invited and offered to unwind regularly. In fact I also offered it to you on multiple occasions.

But what does “to unwind” actually mean? This question comes to my mind more and more often. Is it just a fancy new thing?

Definition

When you look into a dictionary it tells you, depending on the dictionary, that the meaning is “relax after a period of work or tension” or “When you unwind, you relax after you have done something that makes you tense or tired”.

Both explanations work with the same assumption: Relaxation follows tension. This seems like a natural concept. And when we think of meditation as one of the most well-known ways to find relaxation we all know that it’s very old. So obviously humans are searching for relaxation for a long time already. So this already answers one of my thoughts – it’s definitely not just a fancy new thing.

Modern obstacles

But what makes it so hard for us today to relax, to unwind? I’m sure (and I truly hope that’s true – I don’t want to be alone there) that I’m not the only one who finds it hard to relax and feel refreshed afterwards.

In the article “Learning to relax can be life-changing: how to find your comfort zone” in The Guardian from December 2018 the troublemaker is quickly spotted:

“Digital Devices: We can’t relax with them, and we don’t know how to relax without them.”

In this article clinical psychologist Rachel Andrew says she sees the problem every day in her consulting room, and it is getting worse. “I’ve noticed a rise in my practice, certainly over the last three to five years, of people finding it increasingly difficult to switch off and relax. And it’s across the lifespan, from age 12 to 70,” she says. The same issues come up again and again: technology, phones, work emails and social media.

The importance of relaxation

On the other hand we know how important it is for us to relax and unwind. In the paper “The importance of relaxing – Finding time to unwind” from www.beingwell.yale.edu it says that

"Research shows that relaxation keeps your heart healthier, cuts stress, reduces muscle tension, improves brain function and memory, and helps you avoid depression, anxiety and obesity. It boosts your immune system and helps alleviate the symptoms of many medical and psychological disorders. Relaxing is important!”

But how can we bring this together? The importance to unwind and relax with our modern life surrounded by digital devices which never seem to allow us to unplug?

Look back at your younger self!

The answer is actually very simple: We have to find something which we really enjoy away from screens. This could be anything from painting, reading, baking, hiking, listening to an audiobook….the possibilities are endless!

If you really struggle to find something it could be worth looking into what you enjoyed doing when you were younger. If you really loved to read as a child what should you stop now? If you loved to be outdoors – why not go for a hike? You loved to listen to stories? Why not turn on an audiobook?

Scent + Memories = Relaxation

If you think back to things you loved and enjoyed doing I bet there is also a certain scent coming up: the distinctive scent of a new book, fresh cookies when they’re taken out of the oven, the fresh and herby-smelling air in the woods. What ever it might be the whole experience has contributed to a deep feeling of relaxation. We probably wouldn’t have called it that when we were younger but it’s still true!

That’s why we are so passionate about this natural connection of stories and scent when it comes to relaxation! Why not try it out? It’s time to unwind!