10 Relaxation Techniques
Life can be very hard work at times. It can seem as though our problems are neverending and as soon as one thing is dealt with, another one pops up. When such stress is prolonged then it can begin to be a danger to our mental well-being and even our physical well-being.
With that in mind, it is important to get away from stress occasionally. Even a temporary break from your troubles can help you to feel refreshed and ready to tackle whatever is coming your way.
Below are just a few ways that you can get away from stress and help yourself to feel fully relaxed.
Technique #1: Deep Breathing
We tend not to notice our breathing. It is something that generally just happens without us even thinking about it. When you do pay more attention to it, though, it becomes very noticeable indeed. Paying close attention to your breathing can also help you to relax.
If you are feeling as though things are getting on top of you then find a quiet place and sit down. Take 5 minutes doing nothing other than sitting there and focusing on your breath as you exhale and inhale. Breathe deeply and steadily and you will soon find that you begin to feel a lot calmer.
Technique #2: Massage
Another way to beat stress is to get a proper massage. This is an ancient method that is common around the world and remains very popular today, for very good reasons. Not only can it help to reduce your mental stress but a good massage can also help to relieve physical tension in your muscles.
It is important that you find a professional masseuse that knows what they are doing. You could also try using oils and aromas that will help you to relax as thoroughly as possible. If you cannot make it to a masseuse, you could try to use self-massage equipment instead.
Technique #3: Progressive Muscle Relaxation
One potential cause of stress is tension in the muscles. Hence, if you can fully relax your muscles then you are going a long way toward relaxing yourself mentally as well. One way that you can achieve this is through progressive muscle relaxation.
To use progressive muscle relaxation, start by breathing in slowly as you tense a particular group of muscles. Then, as you slowly breathe out again, relax the muscles that you had tensed. Repeat this for each set of muscles in the body. It has been shown that this method can help reduce blood pressure and lower your heart rate.
Technique #4: Meditation
Meditation is an ancient form of relaxation that is commonly used by Buddhist monks. Although often steeped in mysticism, it has also been shown that meditation can have a very real impact on helping us to relax. It can be performed by anybody and in just about any place that is quiet enough.
To perform meditation, sit quietly and repeat a mantra to yourself repeatedly, whether aloud or in your head. Continue to do this, focusing only on the mantra and you will soon begin to find a state of relaxation. Doing this on a daily basis can help you to overcome stress overall.
Technique #5: Exercise
Anybody should exercise as much as they are able to. It helps us to keep in good shape physically and also helps to keep us in good mental condition. While it may not feel like it to being with, getting plenty of exercise can help you to feel more relaxed overall.
When we exercise, it releases serotonin, which is one of our feel-good hormones. What’s more is that it also helps to decrease our blood pressure overall and causes our heart to beat more slowly when we are at rest. It can help you feel a great deal better about yourself overall and can also help you sleep better at night.
Technique #6: Hypnosis
There is a great deal of scepticism over hypnosis but it is widely accepted in the medical profession as being genuinely helpful. It is thought to be able to help in various aspects of life such as helping to build confidence, helping to overcome past traumas, and also helping you to relax.
Studies have shown hypnosis to be very effective at helping to reduce stress. While it is often performed by a professional, it can also be performed using recordings when you are sleeping. There is certainly no harm in trying and it could turn out to be the key to a calmer and happier life.
Technique #7: Aromatherapy
Many people find that aromatherapy can be very useful at helping them to relax. It involves using certain scents and oils that help to fill the air with aromas that are able to help us chill. What’s more is that it is also very affordable and very easy to use.
Many people like to enjoy aromatherapy by adding a few drops of essential oils to a bath and just soaking in peace and quiet. You can also try using diffusers and misters to fill the room with pleasant aromas to help keep you calm throughout the day. Not only can it help you to relax but it can also make the home smell great.
Technique #8: Hydrotherapy
There is something very relaxing about water. Even just sitting by a riverside can be enough to help us relax and the sound of running water can be very soothing indeed. With that in mind, it would make sense that hydrotherapy would be an effective method of relaxation.
Hydrotherapy can involve exercising in water while it can also mean being immersed in warm water. It should be done under the right conditions, though, and the water should be the correct temperature. If you want to give it a try, you should be able to find hydrotherapy facilities somewhere close to you.
Technique #9: Laughter
When we’re stressed, laughing is often one of the last things on our mind. Regardless, it is still one of the best relaxation remedies that are available to us. Even better is that laughing costs nothing and, of course, it is a very enjoyable experience.
Laughter sends a flood of feel-good hormones to our brain, helping to overcome the feel-bad hormones. Even if laughter is only temporary, this break from stress can make a considerable difference to our overall health. Remember, if you are struggling under pressure, take some time out to spend with friends or even just put one of your favorite comedies on the TV.
Technique #10: Music
One of the best and most enjoyable ways to relax is to listen to some music. For many people, just putting on your headphones, shutting out the outside world, and listening to your favorite tunes can be blissful. For others, going to a concert or gig is the ultimate way to wind down and release stresses that have been allowed to build up.
It doesn’t matter what type of music it is, just as long as you like it. It could be anything from Chopin to Slayer. If it works…it works. One thing that everybody should try, though, is to have it turned up as loud as they comfortably can.
