Relaxation for the mind and body

Relaxation is an important part of life and something that we perhaps don’t do enough of.  Relaxation will help you balance the mind and body even if you are stressed or worried. 

Learning to relax along with a healthy diet and exercise will help you to feel well.  If you are tense in your mind, you will feel tense in your body and muscles too.  There is often something to distract us, like our families, the TV, radio etc and we don’t think to spend time on our own just relaxing.   Our lives are very busy and we spend lots of time rushing from one thing to the other, without thinking about our own wellbeing.

Carrying out regular exercise really helps to combat stress, loosen tight muscles and increases circulation, helping your body to receive the vital nutrients and oxygen it requires.  Perhaps take a walk or join a fitness class to help burn off steam and keep fit and healthy.

As for relaxation, the best time to try to relax is before bed, and it’s said that it takes time and practise to fully learn how to relax, so don’t give up after a few days.  Below are some techniques which may help you to relax and unwind.  Once you have mastered this, you can try to inject it into your day whenever it gets too hectic giving your mind time to relax and rejuvenate, ready for the tasks ahead.

To learn to relax, try lying down straight on your back with you shoulders relaxed, keep your arms straight lying along side you with your palms facing upwards.  Relax your head and close your eyes. 

Learn to relax your muscles by first tensing them and then feel the release of tension as you relax them.  Start with your feet and slowly work your way up your body feeling the tension release as you go.  

Breathe in deeply through your nose, fill your lungs and allow your body to sink into the floor. Slowly breathe out through your mouth and relax.  Focus all your attention on your breathing as you inhale and exhale and try to not let any other thoughts come into your head.   If these thoughts do come in, try to let go of them and just think about your breathing.  Try just thinking of a colour and focus on that until no thoughts come into your head.  Gradually close your mouth and breathe in and out through the nose as you feel fully relaxed.   You should be falling into a sleep now or you could enjoy this feeling of nothingness until you are ready to move again.