International Relaxation Day: The Art of Resting Well

In a world that glorifies the hustle, relaxation can sometimes get a bad rap — seen as a luxury or even laziness. But on the contrary, getting good rest is incredibly important for our overall well-being, and one of the best ways to avoid burnout and achieve what we set out to do. 

Plus, getting consistent, quality rest has amazing benefits: it’s known to lower heart rate and blood pressure, reduce pain and muscle tension, and make us feel happier, calmer, and more confident. 

Ideally, relaxation would actually be part of our everyday routines, but that’s easier said than done. So let’s start with today: International Relaxation Day! Started in the US in 1985 by ahead-of-his-time nine year old Sean Moeller, this amazzzing day has grown into a global celebration of rest — a reminder to pause, take a breath, and get some quality me-time.

This year’s theme is Harnessing Relaxation to Enhance Well-Being — something that we at QE home definitely endorse! To embrace the kick back today, discover some of our favourite relaxation techniques below*: 

*Side effects may include lower stress levels, improved sleep, and good vibes.

1. Treat Yourself to Great Sleep

Whether it’s a nap, a sleep-in, or a luxuriously early bedtime, prioritizing sleep is one of the most effective forms of self-care. When we don’t get enough sleep, we can be unmotivated, fatigued, and irritable - all symptoms related to stress. When we do? The opposite! We feel refreshed, happier, and ready to tackle the challenges that lie ahead.

Set yourself up for sleep success with the right sleep support: Quality bedding makes all the difference when you’re looking to get healthy, high-quality rest. Choose naturally breathable, luxury sheets, a calming designer linen motif, and a soft and cozy throw blanket.

2. Space Out With a Spa Day

Turn relaxation into a luxury experience! You can always book a massage or a facial at a spa, or you can pamper yourself in DIY style at home (equally luxuriously). Take a soothing bath, and give your skin the royal treatment with exfoliating face cloths made from 100% Mulberry Silk. Then let the luxury times roll with hair-smoothing silk scrunchies and heatless curler sets. 

Pro tip for spa day: make it a digital detox day, too! Though it may be tempting to sit in the tub and scroll through your phone, this doesn’t let your brain pause the way it needs to. Try reading a book or simply closing your eyes with the help of a Mulberry Silk Eye Mask instead.

3. Get Lost in a Book

One of the simplest — yet most effective — ways of escaping our everyday lives (without actually going anywhere) is by immersing ourselves in a book. Jumping into a literary world provides us with a mental break, and exposes us to different ideas and points of view that can offer perspective on our own lives.

Some of our favourite beach reads at QE Home this summer:

1. Book Lovers by Emily Henry

2. When in Rome series by Sarah Adams

3. Howl's Moving Castle by Diana Wynne Jones

4. The Teller of Small Fortunes by Canadian author Julie Leong

5. Heartstopper series by Alice Oseman

Pro tip: Transform your bed into the perfect reading zone with an oversized euro pillow for extra back support and comfort. Or set up your cozy haven on the beach with a comfy cotton quilt and an adorable cushion.

4. Escape Into a Soundscape

Music hits different — literally. A chilled-out playlist can calm your mind, soothe your heart, and send a little “all clear” signal to your nervous system. 

This International Relaxation Day, try sound therapy (yes, it’s a real thing!) by listening to your chill jams mix, calming nature sounds, or even white noise. 

At QE Home, we crafted our own zen soundtrack from our favourite songs of the summer. Listen to Midsummer Sunset Jams today!

5. Get Moving - Gently

While many of us may not find exercise relaxing, the feeling you get afterwards certainly is! And you don’t need to be climbing mountains or swimming across entire lakes, either. For a much chiller option, try yoga — a mindfulness practice that’s been around for around 5,000 years and takes over 100 forms. One of them is certain to float your boat. 

Or try taking a walk out in nature! Embracing the beauty of the natural world has been shown to reduce stress hormones and improve our moods. And bringing some gentle movement to our bodies is both healthy and helps us relax. 

No matter how you unwind, this is your cue to press pause. Whether you sleep the day away, stretch out the stress, or watch the sun set to the tune of our playlist, let this be your reminder to make a little room for relaxation — not just today, but every day.

For more advice on everything sleep and relaxation, read our Pillow Talk Blog, or talk to a sleep stylist at one of our 70+ store locations across the country. Rest easy!