Poster Relaxation GIF
To relax, take deep breaths in time with this GIF
Giphy
Relax

GIFs: Little gateways to relaxation

When you think "GIF," you probably don't think "relaxation." The animated image files (the acronym stands for Graphics Interchange Format) were first associated with frenetic cartoons in the early days of the Internet, and have recently proliferated as a way to encapsulate funny or memorable bits of motion from TV, movies, or real life.

For many, though, GIFs are now becoming an aid to relaxation. The above GIF, for example, has become popular as a way to help people take deep breaths and find a moment of zen.

GIFs can also help teach stretches and other body movements that can aid in de-stressing. This GIF, for example, is from a Huffington Post series on yoga poses.

Then, sometimes a quick smile is the best route to relaxation. With a GIF like this, you can take a half-second staycation...over and over and over again.

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