Imagine finding yourself with nothing to do on a beautiful spring or summer afternoon. The sun is shining, and it’s not too cold or too hot. A warm breeze is blowing, and the only sound is the music of the occasional bumblebee buzzing past on its way to the next fragrant blossom. You lie back and take it all in, letting go of your worries and responsibilities, and for those few hours, allow your mind to drift.

Chances are, you have the image of more than one pleasant afternoon such as this tucked away in your memory. Perhaps you were lying on a cedar porch swing, sipping lemonade and watching the sunset. Maybe you chose to enjoy the beauty of the day by curling up in a teak rocking chair on the patio to read a favorite book. Or you could have been gathered around the picnic table, enjoying a barbecue with friends, or maybe even kicking back in an oak Adirondack chair while keeping an eye on the fishing pole resting in the backyard pond.

In today’s busy world, an afternoon of relaxing in the great outdoors is often nothing more than a daydream. With jam-packed work schedules and hectic personal lives, we all find it hard sometimes to simply slow down and take time for ourselves. However, doing just that can provide just the refreshing break we need to keep us going when the next wave of projects and business meetings hits. Relaxation helps us clear our minds and regain our focus, and it also helps us lower our stress level, which in turn goes a long way toward improving our health. In fact, simple relaxation can be beneficial to a long list of medical conditions, including high blood pressure and tension headaches.

And taking a breather in the great outdoors can be the most refreshing break of all. Scenic views and fresh air can give us all an instant boost, so the next time you’re feeling stressed, try to take a few minutes and take yourself outside. Settle onto a garden bench and breathe in the aroma of some eye-catching flowerbeds, or lie back on a chaise lounge and gaze at the stars. Take slow, deep breaths and feel the tension leave your muscles. Listen to the soft sounds of a gentle breeze or a singing bird. Take in the natural beauty that surrounds you.

Later on, if you catch yourself feeling guilty because you put off doing the dishes or looking over a report, remind yourself that you spend hours doing things for others; relaxation is something you need to do for yourself.

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