Learn to relax
In a busy world, many people find it hard to relax. Yet relaxation brings many benefits, both mental and physical, and reduces the experience of stress.
Try following the following relaxation tips, and see the difference it can make:
- Breathe. Sounds simple, doesn't it, yet deep and slow breathing for just a couple of minutes a day gives your body much needed oxygen, allows your muscles to let go of tension, and quiets your mind.
Sit or stand comfortably, with your eyes closed if you want, and spend two or three minutes breathing deeply into your stomach. Notice your stomach rising as you breathe in, and falling away as you breathe out. Feel the difference in your body and mind. - To clear your mind more completely, try counting your breaths. As you breathe deeply, count each breath from one to three, then start again at one. Don't worry if your mind wanders and you lose count, just start again at one. By giving your mind something simple to think about, like counting, you will find your day to day thoughts just drifting away.
- Go on a journey in your mind. Give yourself a break from day-to-day concerns by imagining you are walking in beautiful countryside, or along a beach, or somewhere your really love to be. See the sights around you, hear the sounds, feel the ground under your feet, smell the smells. Let whatever develops just happen. Lose yourself in the experience for a few minutes, or longer if you want, then, when you are ready, bring yourself gently back to consciousness.
- Go for a real walk somewhere peaceful and beautiful - in the countryside, or in a local park. The exercise will help you relax, especially if you try deep breathing as you walk. Slow down and really experience the walk. Feel your muscles moving. Be aware of the ground beneath your feet. Reach out and touch things. Look deeply at the scenery. Listen to the sounds. Let day-to-day thoughts go and be in the moment.
- Make time and space for yourself. With busy schedules, time for ourselves can sometimes seem an impossible dream, but anyone can find a few minutes in a day. If you can mark out just 20 or 30 minutes of 'me' time, and use it to do something you really enjoy - read a book, listen to music, draw, paint, walk, or even daydream. It's your time, do whatever you want. And don't let your mind wander onto what you need to be doing later. Just enjoy your time.
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