Relaxation Techniques; How to Be Healthier, Get Rid of Stress, Feel Happier and Love Life

By Drew on 11th May, 2009

Feel Happier and Get Rid of Stress

Life is full of stress and far too much hustle and bustle. All the running around, physically and mentally, can be exhausting. Not enough people simply take the time needed to calm their nerves, clear their mind and relax. It is absolutely mesmerizing how much healthier and better you can feel if you just incorporate a few relaxation techniques into your daily life. If you find yourself suffering from mood swings or uncontrollable impatience then you should consider the benefits of relaxation techniques. This is not to say that relaxation techniques can only help people who feel stressed however. Even if you are calm and feel healthy, these methods can improve your quality of life.

Effective relaxation techniques have an uncanny ability to improve your overall health and well- being. Just a few of the benefits incorporated with the practice of daily relaxation include;

-Lowering of your blood pressure

-Increase of blood flow and more oxygen into the body

-Reduction of muscle tension

-Fewer symptoms or ailments such as headaches

-Increased Energy

-More will power and better reaction to problems

-Less mood swings, anger and frustration

-More daily efficiency overall

The best part of it all is that you do not necessarily have to put in a lot of time or effort to adopt relaxation techniques into your daily routine. Most simply involve refocusing your attention and taking a little time for yourself each day. Some popular and powerful techniques include;

PROGRESSIVE RELAXATION OF MUSCLES

With this method all you do is find a quiet space and slowly tense and relax each one of your individual muscle groups. Your body will almost instantly begin to understand the difference between relaxation and tension. The best way to go about it is to start at your toes and work all the way up to your forehead, tensing and relaxing the muscles slowly. Tense each muscle to the count of five and then relax for at least 30 seconds.

AUTOGENIC RELAXATION

In simple terms this is a relaxation technique that comes from within you. The trick is to use positive images within your mind to display a sense of relaxation to your body. By repeating words or conjuring repetitive, pleasant images your mind and body will feel more at peace. Picture yourself in a place that makes you feel happy and concentrate your body on certain areas that are causing you pain or where you feel stress building up. Slow your heart rate, relax each part of your body one at a time and let your body find the source of your stress.

VISUALIZATION

This relaxation technique works much in the same way that Autogenic relaxation does. Visualize a place that you feel comfortable and would love to be. Whether it be on a beach in the Caribbean, cuddled by a warm fire or at the top of a majestic mountain. Find a quiet place, put on some comfortable clothes and breathe deeply. Allow your mind to be tricked into the idea that you are really there. Incorporating this technique once a day for just a few minutes can pay major dividends towards your overall outlook on life.
Of course these are just a few examples of some relaxation techniques. Once you feel comfortable with these then you can move into more intense and time consuming methods. However if you are just looking to take small, baby steps towards meditation and relaxation, these provide a great starting point. Try them out, for just a few minutes a day and get ready to not only notice a positive change yourself, but for others to see you in a new, more calming light as well.