What is relaxation?
Relaxation is learning to chill out, be still, be calm etc the opposite off feeling stressed.
When should you relax?
You should aim to relax several times a day e.g. break at work, lunchtime, home from work, before bed
How do you relax?
Most of us don’t know how to relax properly. Learning to Relax has to be practised and incorporated into your daily and weekly routine. There are many activities that are relaxing but to become Totally Relaxed the best way is to learn techniques such as Meditation, Progressive Muscle Relaxation known as PMR, even creative visualisation and abdominal breathing.
Where should I relax?
You should aim to learn to relax when and whenever you can. Avoid relaxation techniques, while driving, using machinery or when something requires your focus or attention Otherwise many places are ideal. e.g. waiting in a queue or bust stop we often get impatient & agitated waiting.
This is an opportunity to take a deep breath and become aware of tension etc Relax and drop hunched shoulders, clenched fists. A small walk at lunch time out can help you relax. At home you can do various relaxation techniques, pamper yourself with a bath, footbath or simply massaging your hands or feet. Playing soothing music, reading a relaxing book or a therapeutic hobby is relaxing.
Where can I learn these techniques? Relaxation Classes and some stress management therapists teach these techniques. Yoga teachers often use guided imagery which is a form of creative visualisation.
By Eileen Burns, Qualified Stress Adviser & Therapist, The Stress Clinic http://www.stressadviser.com
