So, what stops us from relaxing?
The ‘fight or flight’ response to a stressful situation keeps your muscles tense, your heartbeat racing, and your body on high alert.6 To calm down from this state, you have to consciously take steps to soothe your nervous system – and that isn’t always easy in today’s busy modern world.5
A 2018 UK report by the Mental Health Foundation found that the top causes of stress include long-term health conditions, work, money worries, and social media.7
Another issue eating into our relaxation time is technology. More and more of us now find it tougher to switch off amid the pressure to always be online, instantly responding to messages, notifications, or emails.8