When was the last time you took a deep breath? Not the ones you take after you chased down your bus or race to complete all of your errands. I'm talking about an intentional deep breath in...and out. Rejuvenating, right?

When you are told to "just relax," it feels like instinct to go on a deranged tangent of all of the things you need to get done and the impending fact that there aren't enough hours in the day. It's time to take the advice seriously, and just relax.

We get trapped in our routines. It's easy to when you're a student, and or working full-time. You do your best to ensure that you're getting something close to the suggested amount of sleep, eating two, maybe three meals per day and perhaps there's exercise in the mix.

Our goals are anxiously waiting to be met. Relaxing may seem like an obstacle rather than a tool. Rest assured, relaxation is not a synonym for laziness. Instead it is an enabler to keep your mind and body fresh, to achieve your dreams most efficiently. Relaxing is an opportunity to take inventory of how your body and mind are feeling. If your routine is hectic, chances are, they aren't keeping up.

We are keeping up with our schedules, and if you turn your neck the right way, you can probably count the knots. We know what we want to accomplish and we continue striving for it without taking in to consideration our health, which can be detrimental.

If you've worked overtime recently, you can attest that you lose focus and feel drained when you're close enough to see the end of your shift. Not to mention, your blood pressure is through the roof. If we're coiled so tightly, overworking our mental and physical capacities, we are actually doing more harm than good in the grande scheme of things.

Relaxation can benefit us on so many mental and physical levels. It can decrease your blood pressure, improve memory, assist with anxiety and improve your immune and cardiovascular system, among so many others.

There are many methods of relaxing that are not as time consuming as you'd expect. One of the most common associations to relaxation would be yoga. It almost seems like a luxury, leisurely activity which should be paired with a brunch in the city. Sure, you could, but you can really practice anywhere. To be cost effective, you can even do so at home. Otherwise, your local gym or studio is likely to offer classes for a reasonable rate.

I must testify, the more yoga I do, the better I feel. It's like drinking water. If you're not drinking as much as you should, you can get by. When you're drinking the right amount, you instantly feel the benefits you're reaping.

There is no method of relaxation that excels above the others. It can be as simple or complex as you like. Some can take just five minutes! You may also choose to indulge in writing, meditation, or a simple, customary deep breathes throughout your day. Do keep in mind that our bodies are all different. One person's process may be totally in the outfield for you. I find both hiking and reading to be relaxing and stress relieving, despite the lack of “om's.” The key is to learn about your body and discover what works best for you.

To keep your mind and body in it's prime, take care of it. If you're stuck in traffic, seize the opportunity to take deep breaths. Even take a whiff of your coffee -- just the smell of it is known to reduce levels of stress!

Simple steps can take you a long way. Savor these moments of relaxation, no matter how simple or brief. Incorporating relaxation into your day will lead you to a healthier mind and lifestyle.

When you feel overwhelmed and stressed beyond comprehension, that is your body's wake-up call to relax.

Namaste.