Putting Things in Perspective
Relaxation is important. It’s easy to forget to make time for yourself when things get stressful. Sometimes you might get so preoccupied that days can go by without you doing anything for yourself.
Many forms of relaxation, like walking or sitting quietly, are very simple, easy to do and don’t cost a thing. Others, like yoga or meditation, require some training or discipline. That being said, you can easily find videos online that walk you through a meditation practice called Guided Meditation, or follow along to yoga routines posted online. Going fishing or playing sports can be a great way of relaxing too.
Put aside some time in the day and try out some of these relaxation techniques to see which ones work for you.
- Go for a walk, taking the time to notice what is around you
- Listen to some music you really like
- Go fishing
- Sit quietly in a park and look at the things around you
- Play your favorite sport
- Take a bath
- Go to a movie or watch a DVD
- Visit a friend
- Be creative, express yourself
- Go for a swim
- Do a puzzle
- Read a book
- Learn yoga or meditation
Relaxation Techniques
While there are many different ways to relax, try exploring the videos below to learn new ways of relaxing your mind and body.
Breathing Techniques
When you’re anxious or stressed, your breathing can become quick and shallow, which reduces the amount of oxygen going to your organs. Learning how to breathe deeply can help reduce some of the physiological symptoms of anxiety.
To become aware of your breathing:
- Place one hand on your upper chest and one on your stomach
- Take a breath and let your stomach swell forward as you breathe in, and fall back gently as you breathe out
- Try to get a steady rhythm going: take the same depth of breath each time to breathe. Your hand on your chest should have little or no movement.
When you feel comfortable with this technique, try to slow your breathing rate down by putting a short pause after you have exhaled and before you breathe in again.
Initially, it might feel as if you aren’t getting enough air in, but with regular practice this slower rate will soon start to feel comfortable.
It might help if you imagine that you’re blowing up a big balloon in your stomach when you breathe in and deflating it when you breathe out. This exercise helps you to breathe more deeply. When you are consistently taking deep breaths, it sends a message to the brain and body to calm down. Give it a try!
What helps you relax? Share in the comments below!