Relaxation Techniques

Practicing various relaxation techniques is a vital part of stress management in today’s busy, chaotic world.

Stress is a very normal part of life.

Our lives are busy, complicated, and full of unwanted hassles and challenges.

Ideally, we deal with the stress when it comes and eventually return to a sense of normalcy, but often we struggle to feel centered again.

Even worse, chronic stress, left unchecked, can have serious consequences to our health and well-being. 

One of the ways to manage stress is by regularly practicing mindful relaxation.

Relaxation

When you picture yourself in a relaxed state — what does it look like?

Are you lying on a beach somewhere sipping a beverage with a little umbrella and a slow smile spreading across your face — or is that just me?

A relaxed state of being is when your body is in the “rest & digest” state. 

During this time, the parasympathetic nervous system is in control and it’s business as usual for your body.

Your breathing and heart rate is normal. Blood flow is directed toward your digestive system and your body temperature is perfectly comfortable.

This is where we want to be. 

Unfortunately, nothing lasts forever and again we are confronted with some sort of stimulus that we interpret as harmful.

Our stress response kicks in and our peaceful paradise is gone.

Symptoms of Stress

The “fight or flight” response comes with a myriad of symptoms designed to help our bodies deal with whatever “danger” we are confronted with.

A few of the more recognizable symptoms of stress are 

• Increased breathing and heart rate
• Increased body temperature and sweating
• Digestive upset
• Feeling fear or anxiety
• Feeling overwhelmed

As previously mentioned, the ideal scenario is that we deal with the stimuli and return to our “rest and digest” state, but this is not always easy to do.

Sometimes we need to help ourselves out and elicit a “relaxation response” by practicing a relaxation technique.

Relaxation Techniques

Relaxation techniques are different methods used to relieve the physical and emotional symptoms of stress. 

Through relaxation, breathing and heart rate is lowered, body temperature returns to normal, and strong, emotional feelings dissipate. 

Listed below are a variety of techniques and activities you can try to help your body and mind feel more relaxed. 

• Deep Breathing
• Guided Imagery
• Visualization
• Progressive Muscle Relaxation
• Meditation
• Stretching
• Yoga
• Exercise
• Forest Bathing
• Watching a soothing scene
• Listening to soothing music
• Aromatherapy
• Acupressure
• Massage
• Acupuncture
• Practicing gratitude
• Gardening
• Petting a dog/cat
• Writing in a journal

Some techniques, such as deep breathing, are great to use in the moment when experiencing stress, while others, like acupuncture, work well to reduce lingering symptoms and chronic stress.

Include both types in your relaxation practice.

When practiced regularly, relaxation techniques reduce your overall level of stress, thereby improving your health and well-being.

You may even find that you have more patience and a better outlook on life.

What’s your favorite way to de-stress?

Let us know in the comments below!

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