Consciously perceiving the world with all your senses - and resting within yourself. In the hustle and bustle of everyday life, we miss out on this far too much. A little test: do you remember exactly how your breakfast tasted? Or were your thoughts already on the way to work and on your to-do list? That's how most people feel. We need to slow down.

Keep an eye on beauty

A butterfly, children's shining eyes or the gentle patter of rain - life has so many wonderful things in store. You just have to keep your eyes open for it. Every day anew. That gives you an incredible amount of strength.

Open the door to happiness

Stress and anger can sometimes spoil this positive attitude. Nevertheless, even in hectic moments, there is always something that can make you smile. Pause for a moment, stop the carousel of negative thoughts and create your own moments of happiness. Get some fresh air, eat a piece of chocolate or make a date for the evening. There is always a way to invite joy in.

Feel connectedness intensely

The people around us are the very best sources of strength. If you don't take your partner, sister or closest friends for granted, but see them as a gift, you will create more harmony and warmth. A kind "I'm glad you're by my side" strengthens the bond of intimate affection.

Seeing the soul as part of the whole

We rarely take the time to listen to ourselves and ask ourselves: "What do I actually want?" Yet this is so important - also as a relaxation exercise. After all, our inner self also needs to be looked after and nurtured. And if we attach importance to a healthy diet because we want to look after our body, we can pay the same attention to our soul.

Find small islands for yourself

The path to inner balance doesn't have to be rocky. But it does require a little effort. You can only achieve harmony if you allow yourself to indulge in periods of self-reflection, allow yourself to be inspired and look for the positive. Find your center with our relaxation exercises.

The 17 best relaxation exercises

1 Time is a treasure

We often rush through the day and put ourselves under pressure. In doing so, we forget that time is the most important thing we have. So: take more of it as a relaxation exercise. At least half an hour every day (!) in which you only do what you enjoy. Regardless of others.

2 Say YES to yourself

The deepest feeling that connects us with others is love. But self-love is just as important. Look in the mirror in the morning and say: "You are good - just the way you are!"

3 Feel freedom

To feel yourself more consciously, you can free yourself from your shoes as often as possible. Walking barefoot through the grass? Oh, yes - what a wonderful relaxation exercise!

4 Become a passenger more often

The next time you are planning a (short) trip, use public transport or sit in the passenger seat of the car. Take in the trees, fields or houses as you speed past - you'll see: a great relaxation technique!

5 Life is so beautifully colorful

If everything around you is dull and gray, it can affect your mood. But in spring and summer in particular, it is fortunately very easy to surround yourself with cheerful colors. A bunch of flowers from the market, a picture you've painted yourself (why not get out the paint box) or even a new colorful dress - bright colors make your heart leap and open your eyes to all the beauty in the world.

6 Pauses for thought are now moments

Discover your inner space. It lies between two thoughts and between breathing in and out. Be mindful of these gaps, where you will find inspiration and new strength.

7 Martian

Take a raisin or an apple in your hand, imagine you are from another planet and have never seen these things before. Surface, smell, taste - explore them in detail. Relaxation exercise as an intense experience!

Celebrate 8 mini successes to the max

A deliciously successful cake or a courageous conversation that you've been dreading for a long time: Praise yourself for the small victories. And as often as you can. A relaxation exercise that really gives you wings!

9 Many small treasures

We rarely realize what is really important. So take your time and make a note of the things that are close to your heart!

10 Tooth brushing meditation

Every day we go about our bathroom routine and don't really notice what we're actually doing. Are you right-handed? Then use your left hand more often to brush your teeth from now on and feel the here and now.

11 There is magic in nature

It's not just the Japanese who swear by "Shinrin-yoku". Literally translated: "forest bathing". A walk clears your head. And it's best to do it alone!

12 Acceptance is pure serenity

Internalize the following mantra: "Everything is allowed to be there!" This doesn't mean that all opinions and people have to suit you. But it is much more valuable to concentrate on your own attitude to life. This will help you to distance yourself from power robbers and sourpusses. And get closer to yourself in the process.

13 Smile in the face of fears

Worries are part of us and we should accept them. But only when we say them out loud do they lose their terror. Or: write them down.

14 Celebrate love

Kisses, closeness and caresses are probably the most beautiful relaxation exercise and the best way to pay attention to yourself and your partner. Because in the rush of emotions, we perceive our body and that of the other person more intensely than ever before. And because it's so nice: declare a you-and-me day every 14 days and just be silly, enjoy time together and forget the rest of the world around you.

15 Music is balm for the soul

Listen to the same song regularly and do ... nothing! On the one hand, this little relaxation exercise will give you a lot of balance. And on the other hand, you will notice new sounds and words every time. That's a promise.

16 Cultivate moments of happiness

Happy days and moments are not always a given. You often have to help a little. So that you don't forget that: Grow yourself a lucky clover. It should remind you!

17 This is all ME

There are situations in which you feel 100 percent fulfilled and light. When dancing the tango, when singing ... Remember your yeah moments!