What are Relaxation Techniques
Relaxation techniques are an excellent way to manage stress and help cope with life’s challenges.  Considered a type of therapy, this natural remedy works by teaching you to refocus your attention on something calming and increasing self awareness of your body and emotions.

The Benefits of Relaxation Techniques
Our emotions are powerful and can affect the health of our physical body.  When we are stressed or “uptight,” our muscles tighten and help hold onto emotional tension. 

Practicing relaxation techniques can improve how you physically respond to stress by slowing your heart rate, lowering blood pressure, increasing blood flow to major muscles and reducing muscle tension.  Recent research has shown the simple act of becoming relaxed can have amazing health benefits.   These benefits include a stronger immune system, more energy, improved concentration, fewer emotional responses such as anger and frustration, a decrease in physical symptoms such as headaches and back pain and reduced use of pain relieving drugs. 

How To Begin
Although traditional doctors, alternative medicine practitioners, psychotherapists and other mental health counselors teach relaxation techniques, you can also learn them on your own.  There are several different methods and you may have to experiment before you find the one that best suits your lifestyle.

Yoga, tai chi, regular exercise, meditation, hypnosis and massages are all popular forms of relaxation.  Some of the lesser known, but extremely effective methods include autogenic relaxation, progressive muscle relaxation and visualization. (Before beginning any technique you should find a quiet area of your home, loosen tight clothing and close your eyes.) 

Autogenic relaxation – This technique uses visual imagery and body awareness to reduce stress, making it easy to relax.  When you are settled in a comfortable position, imagine a peaceful place and focus on taking slow, deep breaths while relaxing each arm or leg.  Some people also find it helpful to repeat words or suggestions in their mind to help them relax and reduce muscle tension.   

Progressive Muscle Relaxation – This technique works by helping you focus on the differences between muscle tension and muscle relaxation, allowing you to become more aware of the physical sensations associated with stress.  You may begin by tensing and relaxing the muscles in your feet and then working your way through each muscle group up to your head and neck.  Tense your muscles for at least five seconds then relax them for 30 seconds.  Repeat three to five times on each muscle group.

Visualization – With this form of self relaxation, you form mental images and take an imaginary journey to a soothing place or situation.  To become completely relaxed, it is helpful to use as many of the senses as possible, such as smell, sound, sight and texture.  A great starting point is to picture yourself at the ocean where you are listening to the waves, feeling the warm sun and smelling the salt water.

Whether your life is stressful or relatively stress-free, you can benefit from incorporating a few easy relaxation techniques into your day.  Anyone, regardless of age, can learn the basic procedures and use them to improve their life.