As we go through this thing we call life, we are faced and constantly challenged with its obstacles; the curveballs, the unpredictability, and the injustice. These are several things we struggle with on a daily basis, but it doesn’t mean they have to be the only things. Just as it’s important to acknowledge these struggles, we must also acknowledge the importance to break free from them. It is OK to step away from the bad news delivered every day to our doorstep and escape to a world of relaxation. Destination relaxation is the next place we need to be which is mentally and emotionally set free.
Relaxation has its benefits other than just a peace of mind. If the body and mind are trained to relax regularly enough, it can deter various potential health problems from forming such as cancer or heart disease.
As discussed yesterday, stress is a major contributor to several health issues, but if managed right, can be coped with properly. Apart from defining stress in yesterday’s blog, there were also tips on how to combat feelings of stress coming on. Relaxation techniques go hand in hand when it comes to decompressing from stress related feelings.
Certain relaxation methods practiced can benefit you by:
- Slowing your heart and breathing rate
- Lowering blood pressure
- Becoming more focused
- Reducing anger or irritability
- Increasing energy
- Reducing activity of stress hormones
Certain techniques implemented towards achieving relaxation are autogenic, progressive muscle, and visualization.
Autogenic uses visual imagery and body awareness to calm nerves. In order to reduce muscle tension, one may repeat a word that induces calmness. Visualizing a peaceful setting creates clarity and focus. It also helps to reduce heart and breathing rate
Progressive muscle relaxation is done by tensing each muscle group and then releasing them. This is done to focus on the differentiation of muscle relaxation and tension.
Visualization is a technique done to create mental imagery or a visual peaceful setting in order to be calm and serene.
Other popular workouts that incorporate relaxation techniques are:
- Hypnosis
- Yoga
- Tai Chi
- Meditation
After constant practice will relaxation techniques prove to be effective the next time you start to feel overcome by stress. Once perfected, will these be a surefire weapon to disengage stress hormones!
So take a minute out of your day to bring yourself to a positive place… even if you can’t always go there physically, you always can mentally!
