relaxation zone

Stress hinders progress and damages wellbeing. I’ve suffered from its effects many times and know how vital it is to actively practise relaxation . This page is for you whenever you feel your stress levels rising.

10 ways relaxation improves wellbeing

Relaxation strengthens focus and productivity – taking regular breaks and allowing the mind to recharge can improve concentration and overall performance.

Relaxation improves mental clarity – when the mind is relaxed, it becomes easier to think clearly, make wiser decisions and solve problems more effectively.

Relaxation improves connections – people who feel calmer and less stressed are often more present, patient and connected with other people and to nature.

Relaxation can enhance physical health – lower stress levels are associated with healthier blood pressure, improved digestion and overall wellness.

Relaxation supports healthy ageing – managing stress and prioritising relaxation can contribute to better physical and cognitive health as we get older.

Relaxation supports better sleep – taking time to unwind, especially before bed, helps prepare the body and mind for deeper, more restorative sleep.

Relaxation helps calm the nervous system – it signals to the body that it is safe, allowing stress levels to decrease and promoting a greater sense of balance.

Relaxation helps prevent burnout – regular periods of rest and recovery are essential for maintaining long-term health, motivation, energy and enthusiasm.

Relaxation helps regulate mood – taking time to unwind can reduce feelings of irritability, frustration and anxiety.

Relaxation encourages creativity – new ideas and insights often emerge when the mind is calm rather than under pressure.

As women move through their 40’s and beyond, changing life demands, career pressures, self-image, family responsibilities and hormonal shifts can all contribute to stress.

Regular relaxation practices can help enormously; I’ve put together a list of ideas below:

Mindfulness & mental relaxation

Practise mindful breathing
Try a guided meditation session
Keep a journal
Spend time in quiet reflection
Listen to calming music
Use positive affirmations
Learn how to do progressive muscle relaxation
Spend time reading a book
Focus on a creative hobby

Gentle movement & exercise

Take a daily walk in nature
Try tai chi
Do gentle stretching
Join a beginner’s Pilates session
Dance around the house to upbeat music
Swim at a comfortable pace
Spend time gardening

Self-care & restorative activities

Take a warm bath with magnesium flakes
Go for a massage
Sip herbal tea without distractions
Create a calming bedtime routine
Light candles and enjoy a peaceful evening
Spend time resting in peace and quiet
Treat yourself to a spa day
Set aside time each week for complete relaxation

Social & emotional wellbeing

Meet a friend for a coffee or a walk
Join a local club or community group
Spend quality time with family
Practise saying no to unnecessary commitments
Let negative or toxic relationships go
Volunteer for a cause you care about
Attend a support or wellbeing group
Share laughter through social activities
Spend time with your pets
Seek professional support if stress feels too overwhelming

Nature & lifestyle habits

Watch a sunrise or sunset
Practise grounding a few times a week
Spend a few minutes outside on waking
Visit a local park or green space
Reduce daily screen time
Be mindful of what you’re watching or listening to
Declutter your home over time
Practise slow, mindful eating
Take regular breaks during the day
Create a relaxing and welcoming home environment
Disconnect from news and social media regularly
Plan activities that bring genuine joy and fulfilment

Progressive muscle relaxation

Progressive muscle relaxation is a useful skill that helps calm anxiety and stress. Emma McAdam from Therapy in a Nutshell guides you through a PMR session.

Guided meditation

Chibs Okereke takes you through a 30-mins guided meditation to activates the parasympathetic nervous system, encouraging the body to relax naturally.

Mindful breathing

Mindful breathing with Kitaro Waga provides stress relief, lower blood pressure and enhanced emotional regulation.

Tai Chi

Tai Chi for Health Life focuses on teaching slow, purposeful, controlled movements that directly help improve strength, posture, stiffness and stress.

Morning stretches

This 5-mins stretching session by Body Fix Exercises For Over 50s helps increase flexibility, lift mood, reduce pain, improve circulation and lower stress.

Standing Pilates

SeniorShape Fitness exercises are perfect for anyone who’s not comfortable getting on the floor or on their hands and knees.

“Relaxation is not a luxury;
it’s a necessity.”

6 relaxation music tracks to help you unwind

A gentle, undulating, soothing, hour-long relaxation track based on sounds of rain, thunder, piano, bells and synthesiser. Perfect for resting the brain, walking, meditation, study, sleep, grounding etc. I’ve put it on a loop so you can play it over and over should you so wish. Enjoy – out of all the music I’ve created it’s one of my favourite tracks.

SEA DOOR by Cookie

This is another of my favourites – a slow, comforting, soothing track that instantly relaxes the mind and body and takes you to a kinder place. I always find myself feeling better when I listen to it – especially when I’m trying to de-stress my ‘breakdown brain’. This one’s for you if you want to lay still for a minute, close your eyes, breathe deeply and be transported to a gentler place.

MULTIVERSE by Cookie

Ooh, I love this one (if I do say so myself!). A reassuring, deep base line and soft synthesiser bells travel with you throughout the entire track, with various moments that lift you, stir the emotions and take you away for 20 minutes or so. Again, it’s on a loop so you can just carry on listening for as long as you want without interruption. Hope it helps you to de-stress.

ERADICATE by Cookie

Okay, so the title’s a bit alarming (I wrote it when I was deep down a what’s-happening-to-the-world-and-who’s-doing-it? rabbit hole!) but it’s a relaxing track with futuristic, space-age-y tones. Lots of quiet moments for opportunity to meditate in this one, along with a few uplifting, mind-expanding sections. If you want to contemplate life, this is a track that may help.

AWAKENING by Cookie

This one is perfect for listening to in the early morning – for example if you want some gentle music to accompany you as you stand barefoot on dew-y grass and breathe in fresh air for 20 minutes or so. It’s a slow, repetitive track that doesn’t stimulate the mind too much so pop it on in the background to relax your brain during moments of stillness.

EQUILIBRIUM by Cookie

A slow, uplifting (and a tad mysterious) track that’s ideal for waking up to in the morning, or when you want to sit quietly to ponder the wonders of life. This one makes me quite emotional and helps me to focus on the beauty of the world. I hope it helps you to re-focus on the good things in your life, even during your darkest moments.