6 Relaxation Tips for Stress Management

Relaxation is a state of deep rest that helps relieve stress; it reduces your blood pressure, slows your heart rate and breathing and generally resets your entire body to its natural state. Some popular relaxation techniques include tai chi, Yoga, deep breathing, exercise and meditation. According to the Cigar Lounge Orlando relaxation professionals, ‘Relaxation changes our body in several positive ways, and improves our mental, physical and general health.’

Many people understand the importance of relaxation, but the way everyone practices relaxation differs. When stressed, some people may stay home and watch TV all day, erroneously believing they’re relaxing. However, staring at a screen all day does not improve stress. No one relaxation technique works for everyone. However, different people have different activities they may find relaxing, so finding a method that suits you and your lifestyle is essential. This may require you to try a couple of techniques before making up your mind. Great relaxation sessions could be paid for, e.g. acupuncture or professional massage; they can also be free. Here are relaxation techniques to try when you feel stressed.

Visualization.

Visualization is a relaxation technique that requires you to take a visual trip to your ideal situation or place. To visualize your perfect state, you have to form mental pictures in your mind using all your body’s senses: sound, taste, smell, touch and sight. For instance, if you were away from your family and wanted to visualize them as your happy place, you’ll visualize the smell of your family home, the sounds of the voices of family members, etc.

For visualization to work, you may need to find a quiet spot. Do not wear tight-fitting clothes for this activity. You may also want to shut your eyes and focus on positive thoughts. Think of happy scenes and places you find soothing. Thinking positive thoughts will help restore your self-esteem. Visualization is often complex for people who struggle with intrusive thoughts or have trouble thinking in pictures.

Meditation

Meditation closely resembles visualization and helps you maximize your health and wellness routine. It involves sitting in a quiet place, in comfortable clothing, slowly breathing in and out, and just staying in the moment. In that moment, avoid worrying about the past or other niggling thoughts that may be at the back of your mind. A lot of people practice meditation daily, and many have testified that it helps to reduce depression, anxiety and pain.

Prayer and Affirmations

The prayer and affirmations technique requires you to repeat a positive phrase or prayer while simultaneously focusing on your breathing. This method is most effective for people who are religious or spiritual. If you do not believe in a higher power, prayer and affirmations might not be the proper technique for you; instead, try alternative relaxation techniques for a few minutes each day until you find one that works. The more regular you are with your relaxation sessions, the more effective they’ll become.

Deep Breathes

Breathing is one of the most straightforward yet most potent relaxation techniques. It requires doing nothing more than taking long, slow, deep breaths. Beep breathing is also sometimes called belly breathing or abdominal breathing. As with all relaxation techniques, remember to focus your mind on positive thoughts while practicing your deep breaths, as negative thoughts are incredibly distracting. If you have an existing respiratory condition such as asthma, try to avoid this relaxation technique as it may cause health problems. Instead, try any of the other suggested methods.

Massage.

Massages are very effective for relieving stress and improving relationships. It involves a combination of strokes, chops, and taps to resolve muscle knots. Massages can be done professionally; you can get a friend or family member to help. The way to do a massage is simply by putting pressure on muscle knots using your fingertips. You can also make long gliding strokes across tense muscles, focusing on the back, head and shoulders. You can also use your thumb to massage the base of your skull and, using your thumbs, make tiny circles around your face to relieve pressure.

Tai chi & Yoga

Yoga and Tai Chi combine regular breathing with a sequence of postures or flowing activities. The physical aspects of these movements bring a clear mental focus that can help divert your thoughts from the negative to the positive. They can also improve your tractability and equilibrium. Yoga and Tai Chi are more accessible for flexible people. If you have pre-existing health challenges, you should consult a doctor before taking tai chi as it can be physically tasking.