The Benefits of Relaxation

Stress can arguably be one of the many culprits causing society’s health to diminish. High blood pressure, anxiety, allergies, colds, and many other ailments can be attributed to stress because of the negative effects it has on the body’s immune system. If not kept in check, our bodies will begin to break down. A healthy organic diet and various types of physical exercises can be used to keep stress levels down. Other methods that can be employed are relaxation techniques.

Relaxation Techniques

Relaxation techniques are a great way to help your quest for stress management. Relaxation isn't just about peace of mind or enjoying a hobby. Relaxation is a process that decreases the wear and tear of life's challenges on your mind and body.
Whether you have a lot of stress in your life or you've got it under control, you can benefit from learning relaxation techniques. Learning basic relaxation techniques isn't hard. Explore these simple relaxation techniques to get you started on de-stressing your life and improving your health.

Techniques and Benefits

Autogenic relaxation. Autogenic means something that comes from within you. In this technique, you use both visual imagery and body awareness to reduce stress. You repeat words or suggestions in your mind to help you relax and reduce muscle tension. You may imagine a peaceful place and then focus on controlled, relaxing breathing, slowing your heart rate, or different physical sensations, such as relaxing each arm or leg one by one.

Progressive muscle relaxation. In this technique, you focus on slowly tensing and then relaxing each muscle group. This helps you focus on the difference between muscle tension and relaxation, and you become more aware of physical sensations. You may choose to start by tensing and relaxing the muscles in your toes and progressively working your way up to your neck and head. Tense your muscles for at least five seconds and then relax for 30 seconds, and repeat.

Visualization. In this technique, you form mental images to take a visual journey to a peaceful, calming place or situation. Try to use as many senses as you can, including smells, sights, sounds and textures. If you imagine relaxing at the ocean, for instance, think about the warmth of the sun, the sound of crashing waves, the feel of the grains of sand and the smell of salt water. You may want to close your eyes, sit in a quiet spot and loosen any tight clothing.

Other relaxation techniques include those you may be more familiar with, such as:

• Bio-Feedback Therapy
• Exercise
• Hypnosis
• Meditation
• Music
• Tai chi
• Yoga

In our modern society, people have become accustomed to having high levels of stress. Unfortunately, these levels eventually become very toxic and begin to break down the body’s defense systems, which will leave the body open to various imbalances and illnesses. Stress levels can be managed holistically with a balance of physical exercises, a healthy organic diet, and relaxation techniques. Ultimately, to know if you’re experiencing high levels of stress you must first become aware of the stress. Become aware of your work and home environment and make a conscious effort to know what’s occurring around you. Becoming aware is the first step to reaching your health goals.