Relaxation Techniques
Let’s start with the basics.
A relaxation technique is any method, process, procedure, or activity that helps a person to relax.
And the goal of relaxation is to attain a state of increased calmness and reduce levels of anxiety, stress or tension. Easy.
Techniques for Relaxation
The benefits of implementing relaxation techniques into your life effect both physical and emotional elements. There is a decrease in muscle tension (less tension headaches and physical pain in the body), lower blood pressure and slower heart rate.
Emotionally you are more stable in your moods and you can view situations with greater clarity and perspective. So using relaxation techniques make you healthier, and your life will be better!
In an age where stress is accepted in an average day, (be it pressure from work, financial concerns, or family commitments) incorporating effective relaxation techniques into your life is of vital importance for a healthy and balanced life.
People use different relaxation techniques for a variety of specific reasons; Anger management, Anxiety attacks, Cardiac health, Depression, General well-being, Headaches, High blood pressure, Immune system support, Insomnia, Pain and Stress management among others.
And just as everyone has a unique problem, the best relaxation technique is unique for each individual too.
My father runs 10 miles to get distance from the pressures of his work day. That would do me more harm than good! I prefer to sit in silence and focus on the energy flow of my breath. Some people talk to friends for hours on the telephone, while others read a book to escape into a fantasy land to experience their optimal relaxation.
So what relaxation technique works best for you?
Let’s break the various techniques down into two groups; Movement Based – and Passive.
Movement Based Relaxation
Movement-based relaxation methods incorporate things like Walking, Gardening, Yoga, Tai Chi, Qigong, and more serious exercise – like going to the Gym. In these cases the physical changes in the body cause the relaxation. The release of endorphins makes you feel good and reduces stress levels.
Passive Relaxation
Passive forms of relaxation include Meditation, Conscious breathing, Progressive Muscle Relaxation and Visualization. These minimal movement techniques involve a degree of withdrawal from active thought and analysis.
Research into the benefits of relaxation techniques first started in the 1960′s. The very first results indicated a strong correlation between chronic stress and poor physical and emotional health.
Meditation Reduces Stress
Meditation was among the first relaxation techniques proven to have a measurable effect on stress reduction. In the 1970s, self-help books teaching varied relaxation techniques began to appear on the bestseller lists around the world. The general community became aware of the need to relax, and began to explore the variety of methods available to find the best suited for them.
Research released in the 1980s indicated even stronger ties between stress and health, and showed benefits from a wider range of relaxation techniques than had been previously known.
Nowadays, conventional medicine has adopted the concept and practitioners recommend using relaxation techniques to improve patient outcomes in many situations.
Incorporating regular relaxation techniques into your life is a mainstay of complementary and alternative medicine.
So what are the current relaxation techniques that you employ for your optimal health?
What do you do to reduce your stress?
Everyone knows meditation is good for you, but those who engage in regular practice in the West are relatively few. Common objections are; “It is too hard, I can’t sit still for very long, my mind wanders, and I can’t still my thoughts.”
Traditional Meditation has been an effective technique used for thousands of years, but the benefits of strict practice can take years of dedication.
Unlike other forms of meditations where you are left to your own devices, Guided Meditation leads you safely through the entire practice.
Just to make it clear, Guided Meditation is Easy!
The guide first draws your attention to your breathing, and then systematically relaxes the muscles of your body. You are then led step by step on a journey geared for deep relaxation and mental clarity. Ten minutes is all you need to freshen your perspective and recharge your spirits.
If you have never tried a Guided Meditation don’t delay.
There are free guided meditations available from the Explore Meditation website. You can download MP3 audio files to your computer, cell phone, or MP3 player, and start an effective relaxation technique right now for increased health and happiness.
The are many types of meditation available for you to practice, but Guided Meditation is a great place for beginners to start, and experienced meditator’s to master.
As science has proven, and millions of individuals testify, relaxation techniques are important for physical and mental health.
Adopting the regular practice of an effective relaxation technique into your life has proven benefits.
Explore different methods of relaxation to see not only what is most effective for you, but what you most enjoy.
Happy Relaxing!
Nigel Coates
Free Guided Meditations to try…
Follow the Rainbow Free Guided MeditationThe rainbow contains the seven rays of light on the earth plane, that also relates to the seven chakras in the human body. And the story of finding a pot of gold at the end of a rainbow is symbolic of finding one’s spiritual treasures after integrating the seven rays.
Grounding – Free Guided MeditationGrounding is a spiritual term, referring to centering your soul in your body, and in turn, connecting it with Mother Earth. If you experience a lot of fear and anxiety in your day-to-day, it is possible that you have become ungrounded.
Suggested…
MeditationThe Explore Meditation website is a meditation blog / reference website to assist your spiritual growth. This page hosts a menu of all the great resources on my website.
Spiritual StoriesWelcome to my free collection of Short Spiritual Stories. Most are set in magical times long past, but have meanings that are very relevant for those on a spiritual path today.
External Information…
Deep Meditation or Deep Escape – meditationhow.info
Posted in 
Tags: Leave a Reply
