4 Relaxation Exercises To Help Relieve Stress

Relaxation exercises are techniques used to restore calm and balance to persons who are experiencing anxiety and stress. While you may not be able to avoid stress, you can surely control it by doing various relaxation exercises.

4 Simple Relaxation Exercises

Exercise # 1: Positive Thinking

Think of a relaxing place or a calming person.  Imagine yourself at that place or in the company of that person.  For a minute or two, think about how that person or place makes you feel.  Now let those feelings take you over.

Indulge in the relaxing or happy mood for a few minutes.  When you are through, gently come out of those thoughts and feelings.

Exercise # 2: Breath Watching

photo courtesy of lululemon athletica, on Flickr

Close your eyes and let your mind’s eye focus on the tip of your nose.  Breathe in through your nose and out through your nose.  Notice that the air coming in through your nostrils is cool while the air going out is warm.

Keep doing this for a few minutes and if and when your mind wanders, just gently bring it back to your nose.

Exercise # 3: Repeated Mantra

Close your eyes and focus on a word – be it ‘peace’, ‘serenity’, ‘strength’, ‘freedom’. A word that relaxes or empowers you.

While you gently breathe in through your nose and out through your mouth keep repeating that calming or empowering word in your mind and embrace all the feelings that it brings out in you.

Exercise # 4: A Heart of Gratitude

photo courtesy of poolski, on Flickr

Smile! Smile and remember that God does not give you more than you can bear.

Smile and give thanks that you are not worse off physically, mentally or financially. Smile and remember that tomorrow has its own share of problems so take things day by day.

While these thoughts go through your head take a gentle deep cleansing breath and then let it all out.

Whichever of These Easy Relaxation Techniques
you Choose To Practice ...

Please Remember To ...

• Be consistent in order to reap the full benefits

• If the aim is to help you fall asleep, then practice the exercise at bedtime, if not choose the best alternate time

• Choose the relaxation technique that best suits you

• Do not practice on a too-full or too-empty stomache. Preferably 1 hour before or after a meal

• Choose a quiet place to practice - no distractions

• Wear loose comfortable clothing

• Practice makes perfect. Don’t expect to be perfect on the first few occasions. It’s not a competition – you will get better overtime

• When your mind wanders (not if but when) bring it back and refocus

• If practiced at a time other than bedtime, gently come out of the relaxation exercise and give yourself a few minutes before jumping into another activity

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