The time to relax is when
you dont have time for it!!
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Would you like to be
more focused in your work? Would
you like to get more accomplished?
Would you like to feel more
comfortable in your relationship
with others and with yourself?
Then relax
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In a sense, most
of us are aware of the need to relax, and
have found some ways to relax. The only
problem is that many of the activities that
people consider to be relaxing are, in fact
not relaxing at all.
Some relaxation
is just pausing, a temporary escape from
stress that leaves us no more able to cope
with stress positively. For example, drinking
coffee or alcohol, smoking and the like
are socially approved ways of relaxing,
but it must be stressed that these are not
effective ways to relax.
Recent research has demonstrated the preventive
power of relaxation. In one study, people
who relaxed daily for 20 minutes had a significantly
higher degree of physical and mental well
being as compared to those who did not relax
The elements
that characterize true relaxation
are:
1. The heart rate slows and becomes
even.
2. Breathing becomes deeper and more
even.
3. Muscles loosen and relax.
4. The mind feels at peace.
5. The body has energy for at least
several hours of work.
6. The entire body and mind feels
refreshed.
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People
who relaxed daily for 20 minutes
had a significantly higher degree
of physical and mental well being
as compared to those who did not
relax |
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Relaxation techniques
can be used for different purposes. We can
relax to pause as well as to release tensions.
We can increase our energy level, dissipate
a negative feeling or emotion, and even
create a positive mood. We can also use
some methods to rest briefly in order to
gain temporary energy when we have not had
enough sleep. Finally we can use these methods
to calmly handle tasks either at work or
at home, to cope positively to stress.
There are different techniques to suit the
above needs.
Quick relaxation technique.
Breathing exercises
Guided imagery and visualization.
Progressive relaxation technique.
Meditation.
Nature tuning
One can practise the above relaxation exercises
after learning them from a competent instructor.
Benefits of relaxation:
Relaxation energizes the body and mind.
Relaxation helps to strengthen the immune
system.
Relaxation lowers the blood pressure in
many people and so decreases the likelihood
of stroke and heart attack.
Relaxation gives a break from things and
lowers activity within the limbic system
of the brain, the emotional centre.
Relaxation helps one to be creative.
For emotional
problems, counselling is recommended. And
the relaxation exercises help to soothe
and calm the mind and to overcome the negative
effects of emotional stress
.
Here is a simple
relaxation technique, which will take just
a minute and you can practise it wherever
you are.
Breathe in through your nostrils to the
count of three.
Breathe out through your mouth to the count
of six.
Practise this about 5 times whenever you
feel tensed or stressed.
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A small practical tip:
Check yourself
often. Don't get obsessive about it,
but throughout the day, check to see
if your muscles are as relaxed as
they can be. Take a deep, slow breath,
and let go. Don't take more than 30-60
seconds to do this. With practice
you can do it in 15 seconds.
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To know more about relaxation techniques
or to discuss any stress related issues
contact us
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