Finding time to relax is increasingly difficult in our always-on digital world. With productivity tools and entertainment always a click away, slowing down and resting can feel like a thief of precious time. When digital overload leaves you feeling mentally and physically drained, there’s often only one place you can find sanctuary—the bathroom. The toilet is one of the few quiet places you can relax and let your guard down during the day. There’s a reason it’s called the restroom, not the stress-room.
No matter how busy things get, you can use your toilet time to let your waste and your worries go. Taking deep breaths, embracing the moment, and assuming the proper position with a Squatty Potty can help you reduce strain and find calm on the can. Here are four ways to reduce stress, find tranquility, and relax the next time you go to the bathroom.
Try a breathing exercise.
Put your phone away for a minute and try a breathing exercise. Deep breathing is a great way to calm your mind and relax your body. As you ease down onto the bowl, try taking a few breaths in through your nose and out through your mouth. Make sure that you're taking long, deep breaths into your belly. As you breathe in, imagine you’re filling your body with warmth, peace, and calm. When you breathe out, imagine you’re exhaling your body’s stress and tension. A simple breathing exercise can make a big difference in your anxiety levels if you make it part of your regular toilet routine.
Find a comfortable squatting position.
Propping your feet on a stool is a more natural and relaxing position for your body to be in when pooping. When you squat, your knees are bent, and your hips are lower than your torso. This position makes it easier to poop because the colon is tilted forward towards the anus, making it easier for you to deliver the goods. Squatting using a Squatty Potty can also boost blood flow to the pelvic floor muscles, which helps reduce strain and time on the toilet.
Not sure which toilet stool will put you in the best pooping position? Use our guide to find the stool that works for your body type.
Find the Right Squatty Potty for You
Do a body scan.
Use your pooping time as an excuse to release physical tension with a body scan meditation. Here’s how it works: Bring attention to a specific part of your body. Observe the sensations in that area and any thoughts or emotions that accompany it. If you notice pain, breathe into it and visualize the tension leaving your body. When you’re ready, move on to the next body part. Not only will this practice help you relax, but it will help you get to know your body better and better manage pain.
Take your time.
Don’t rush your toilet time. Let your poop come naturally. It’s natural to want to do your business as quickly as possible to get back on with your day. Pushing, forcing, and straining while pooping can cause health problems and increase discomfort. When you need to go, it’s important to relax your mind and body. Unnecessary straining can cause complications like hemorrhoids and hernias. Stress can also lead to constipation by reducing the blood flow to your digestive tract, making it difficult for waste to move through your body.
Avoiding these health complications is easy—just chill! Put your feet up on your Squatty Potty, breathe deeply or enjoy some reading materials, and give your body five minutes to get everything out.
The final turd
Remember, your bathroom time is your time. No one's watching over your shoulder or judging you for taking up a whole roll of toilet paper. Use it as an opportunity to relax, meditate, rest, and reflect on life. You can read, listen to music, or catch up on podcasts. Do whatever you want. It’s your world! Remember that there’s no right or wrong way to poop. The key is to be comfortable, so you can relax and let nature take its course.By practicing breathing exercises, giving yourself time, and adopting a natural pooping position with a Squatty Potty, you’ll be well on your way to more relaxing trips to the bathroom.