Article / Updated 03-26-2016
You deserve to relax. And making time for it allows you to be more productive the rest of the day, which boosts your metabolic rate. Taking a break gives your brain and body time to recover and operate the best they can. Research shows that taking just 15–20 minutes to relax every day can do all of the following: Improve your immune system Lower blood pressure and risk for heart attack and stroke Reduce pain, headaches, and digestive issues like Irritable Bowel Syndrome Improve pre-menstrual symptoms Reduce cortisol levels and junk food cravings Improve your sleep, energy levels, and mood Improve your memory and help you make better decisions At some point in your life, you knew how to chill out, and it's possible you just forgot along the way.