what you mistake for relaxation and why it doesn’t work

don’t do this if you really want to relax…

after a long, stressful day, you collapse onto the couch, turn on a tv show, scroll through social media, or pour yourself a glass of wine. it feels like you’re unwinding.

but in reality, this is just the illusion of rest.

many of us confuse genuine recovery with temporary distraction — and that difference matters more than you might think.

here’s a list of common but ineffective stress-relief strategies:

 • endless binge-watching of tv or youtube

 • scrolling through social media

 • alcohol or smoking

 • comfort eating or snacking

 • impulsive shopping

 • passive inactivity (just lying around)

at first glance, these activities feel soothing, but in fact, they’re just delivering short-term dopamine that:

 • does not restore the nervous system

 • does not reduce cortisol levels

 • in the long run, can actually increase stress, worsen sleep, and lower focus and mood.

why these activities don’t work

alcohol and smoking may initially feel calming, but they actually activate the body’s stress response over time.

alcohol may initially reduce anxiety, but its long-term effects include increased stress sensitivity.

check out what BUPA has to say here…

social media use is linked with information overload, social comparison, and anxiety.

higher social media use is associated with increased stress and decreased well-being.

passive media consumption (like watching endless videos) can overstimulate the brain rather than rest it.

passive media consumption is linked with higher fatigue and mental disengagement.

✅ what actually helps you relax?

real relaxation means active recovery — practices that regulate the nervous system and improve well-being. examples include:

 • meditation and deep breathing

→ proven to lower cortisol and reduce anxiety

 • walking in nature, gardening

→ lowers stress, improves focus and creativity

 • music and creativity

→ stabilize mood and activate reward systems in the brain

→ slows heart rate and supports attention restoration

as you can see, getting the right type of relaxation is really important. don’t just take my word for it though. below I have included some useful resources to learn more.

allowing yourself time in your daily routine for yoga and meditation can make a huge difference – even a weekly group class can have an impact on your overall wellbeing.

check out my mini-groups here

i am always ready to help, so get in touch if you have any questions

resourses:

age uk – mindfulness and meditation

https://www.ageuk.org.uk/information-advice/health-wellbeing/mind-body/mindfulness

york university – positive effects of nature based activities on mood:

https://www.york.ac.uk/news-and-events/news/2021/research/nature-can-improve-mood-and-reduce-anxiety

axa – health benefits of music:

https://www.axahealth.co.uk/staying-healthy/mental-health/resilience/the-health-benefits-of-music