STERSS RELAXATION TECHNIQUES

Stress Relaxation Techniques
As the years go by, it seems that the pace of life only continues to accelerate. Ironically, all the technological advances that promise to make life more convenient usually succeed only in making it more stressful than it already is.

All of the distractions of our lives in this day and age have a surprising cumulative effect on every aspect of our being, both physical and spiritual.

Is the rat race wearing you down? How many cords have you tripped over today? How many red lights have you stopped at? Sometimes, you need to simplify.

Take a step back from all of the petty concerns that gnaw at your soul, and give yourself some much-deserved relaxation. And no, television doesn’t count Information overload is just another aspect of stress. You need to clear your mind even as you relax your body…

There are a number of relaxation exercises you can try—some with the help of experts, perhaps at a clinic or day spa, and others in the privacy of your own home.

1. Find your center

The spiritual benefits of meditation are clear, but the extent of its medical benefits is surprising. Its salutary effects on the circulatory system have been noted in particular by medical scientists, and it is therefore often prescribed for those with cardiovascular trouble, to help maintain a healthy blood flow.

Create a relaxing soundscape in a quiet room at home. Turn it into your personal retreat, and, focusing on the sounds, purge your mind of all its raging thoughts.

2. Breathe deeply (very important)


Respiration is a technique for managing stress that you can do anytime, anywhere. Breathing relaxation simply involves focusing on our rate of inhaling and exhaling. Slow it down!

Relish the air as it fills your lungs, and carries away the worries teeming in your brain. The effects of proper breathing will soon spread throughout your body and your spirit.

3. Yoga

One of the most popular relaxation methods today is yoga. Take a few hours a week out for a yoga session at your local health club; as you advance in yoga methods, the positive effects will continue to grow.

Best of all, yoga only increases the efficacy of the other relaxation exercises indicated here. Those who practice yoga will achieve a sense of serenity much more quickly, when breathing deeply or meditating, than those who do not.

4. Get some exercise

Is it any surprise that a great relaxation exercise is—exercise?

Being physically fit can help increase your mental and spiritual resiliency in the face of stressful situations. A simple walk or jog can help calm your thoughts, not to mention lose weight and improve muscle tone.

5. Acupuncture

Don’t let the needles scare you off. This ancient technique is world-renowned for its effectiveness in triggering the release of endorphins, which are crucial for relaxation and pain relief throughout your organism.

6. Biofeedback and Massage

These stress relaxation techniques are performed by professionals in special sessions. Be sure to try a wide range of massage methods, which can make use of everything from the hands of the masseuse, to special aromatic oils, to heated stones to enhance the relaxation.

7. Medicate

This is a last resort for those to whom stress poses an immediate threat to their health, particularly those with high blood pressure. They may treat the stress, but lead to other complications. It’s best to pursue natural means of stress relief, unless medication is prescribed by your doctor.

Taking time out in our busy day to relax our body and mind is one of the best things we can do to maintain proper levels of hormones and blood pressure in our organism, not to mention achieve a sense of spiritual centeredness and calm.

Sample several of the techniques mentioned above, and see which work best for you. And relax! You’ll probably enjoy all of them.