By Cynthia Cheng

 

You’d think that with all our technological advances, such as the Internet, cell phones, and pocket planners, we’d have more time on our hands. But that’s simply not the case.  People around me still seem to be on a stampede to get from Point A to Point B.

 

Because our society is founded on achievement and efficiency, some of us may feel that we must have an agenda for every given moment. For this reason, some people might associate relaxation with non-productivity. Still, countless medical reports have linked stress to decreased physical health. So I am hereby giving everyone permission to participate in an activity that would restore their mind, body and spirit.

 

Relaxation does not always have to require a tropical vacation out in the Western Caribbean with the complimentary umbrella drink.

 

For me, nothing beats the company of friends and loved ones. Being able to share anecdotes and laugh with others is one way to release the tension we accrue from work and other aspects of our personal lives. When I had to undergo two needle biopsies last year for a questionable lump in my breast, it was my close friends and loved ones, especially my husband, who carried me through with their support while I waited for the results, which turned out to be benign, thankfully.

 

I also find relief in places where, for a short stint of time, I don’t have to be anything to anyone. Last month, I kept repeating the cycle where I didn’t have a second to catch my breath, from the time I got up in the morning to the second my head hit the pillow again at night. I finally visited Palo Alto’s Watercourse Way Bathhouse Spa for a whirlpool bath. Inside my private room, the heat of the bath loosened up my muscles and helped me take longer, slower breaths. The gentle, new-age music filtering through the speakers soothed and calmed my spirit. Then came the realization that I actually had all the time in the world-such a new and foreign feeling.

 

Unlike spa treatments, many relaxation experiences can come free of charge, from reading a library book to doing yoga. For me, I enjoy window shopping. One of my favorite stores is Sephora, the popular cosmetics store. By applying shades of lipsticks, blush, and eye colors to my hands, I get to explore new product colors and textures. I also like to sample new fragrances by spraying different perfume scents on my wrist. Then I clean it all off. Sometimes I leave the store with a glossy black bag filled with goodies, but even if I don’t, I still get the satisfaction derived from doing something that makes me feel relaxed. Who cares if others might not share my interest?

 

Stress is inevitable, but we can reduce its impact if we just know how to take it easy.