Sit back and relax. National Relaxation Day on August 15th is about more than just one day; it’s about learning to put yourself at the top of your list. 

Too many of us are running around constantly, from work to errands, to the gym, to doing things for others. We barely have time to eat healthy meals, let alone relax. 

What if I told you that making time for relaxation could make you more efficient and more energized? It’s true, and the following tips will help you get in the groove and make relaxation a priority. Not only that, they’re beauty tips as well–so you can’t go wrong.

1. Take 5

Take a five-minute break for you and your hair. Sit back with a nice cup of soothing chamomile tea while enjoying the Hair La Vie Masque. This hair mask is designed to moisturize, strengthen, and revive your hair in just five minutes. While your hair is getting the treatment, you’ll feel like you’re at the spa.

The refreshing scent of the masque has hints of coconut for that tropical, vacation vibe. While that’s reminding you of digging your toes in the sand, the sandalwood scent will improve sleep and relieve anxiety. This scent is an aromatherapy favorite because of it’s relaxing properties and healing nature. 

Not all of the claims associated with sandalwood have been scientifically proven, but there are a few studies that support sandalwood as an anxiety treatment. 

2. Out with the old, in with the new

Breathing exercises are an excellent way to refresh your body and your mood, and they can help you look better too. 

Breathing stimulates the lymphatic system, which releases toxins from your body. If not properly released, these toxins could accumulate in your skin and cause blemishes and clogged pores. 

Breathing also boosts circulation, which brings nourishment to every part of your body.

Time Magazine has some great breathing exercises you can try to get you on the road to breathing for a better you.

3. Mani pedi with your bestie

Make your regular mani-pedi appointment something you share with a friend. Not only are you improving the look of your nails and keeping your cuticles healthy, but you’re also being pampered. 

A trip to the nail salon doesn’t take much time out of your day, and it sets the stage for a fresh look with fun new colors.

The reason you want to share this experience is that social contact is one of the best ways to beat stress. Friends can reduce stress in several different ways, so this trip together will give you more benefits than you realize. 

One of the most exciting ways that a conversation with a friend can help is by reinforcing executive function, that’s the mental agility you use to solve problems. This helps you throughout the day and makes you more efficient.

4. Take a long shower

Why rush through your morning routine like one of those fast-moving zombies? Sure, you need to do the same things every morning, but they don’t have to be a chore. 

Pick a fantastic smelling shampoo and conditioner that uses natural oils, extracts, and vitamins to refresh and revitalize. Then, give yourself an invigorating scalp massage while enjoying the steamy shower.

5. Make a DIY face mask

Save money and give your face a fresh treat. Nothing says relaxation like a face mask, and you can make them at home. 

Reader’s Digest has some great DIY face masks that you can whip up at home with ingredients you already have. You can tone, moisturize, and clean pores at home just as good as they do in the salons.

Final thoughts

If you’re feeling frantic, the last thing you have time for is sitting around and relaxing, right? Wrong! That’s the one thing you should put at the top of your priority list. 

Relaxation is not only important for your mental health, but it has a great effect on your physical health, emotional well-being, and it can affect how you look and present yourself to the world. 

Done right, relaxation gives you the mental clarity you need to focus and be more efficient. It boosts your mood, so you’re energized. Relaxation gives you time to focus on your goals, and it keeps you on track. When you’re feeling this refreshed and energized, you can’t help but look amazing.