Beat Stress with 3 Quick Relaxation Techniques - By: Jay Benjamin

No matter who we are, we have all experienced stress and tension in our lives. It's difficult to escape it in the modern world. Even if you can't avoid stress, you can easily learn some relaxation techniques to alleviate the problem. Below you will find 3 easy to learn relaxation techniques which can make a real difference to your mental and physical well-being.

1. Guided Imagery or Visualization

Guided Imagery is a simple technique involving picturing a relaxing location and building it up into a complete scene by using all your senses. Typically you would sit or lie down comfortably, then with your eyes closed, imagine yourself in the most peaceful and beautiful location possible; like on a tropical beach, by a river or in a forest. It's vital to fully involve all of your senses in creating your perfect location. For example, if you chose a beach, then as well as picturing the scene in your mind's eye, 'hear' the sound of the surf hitting the beach, imagine putting your hands in the soft sand and smell the sea. After enjoying your constructed paradise for a few minutes, slowly return to the normal world feeling much more refreshed.

2. Deep Breathing Exercise

Yes, I know breathing as a relaxation method might sound silly, after all, you're doing it right now. But practicing deep breathing (also called Pranayama) is one of the simplest and most effective stress reduction techniques. To perform deep breathing, just find somewhere you can lie or sit down undisturbed, and after closing your eyes place your right hand on your stomach and the other one on your chest. Breathe slowly through your nose to a count of 5 whilst pushing out your stomach. Hold the breath for a count of 5 and then release it through your mouth, pushing your stomach back down. When performing the technique properly, the hand on your stomach should rise and fall with your breathing, while the one on your chest stays still. After performing this deep breathing exercise, you should feel more calm and centered and better able to cope with the stresses of life.

3. Progressive Muscle Relaxation

The final technique is called Progressive Muscle Relaxation. With this technique, you alternately tense and relax each of your muscles in turn, you normally start with your toes and work your way upwards to your neck. Make sure you focus your attention on the sensation of tensing and relaxing your muscles - as well as being physically relaxing it can be rather like a form of meditation. Practicing PMR as often as you can may also lead to improved circulation and reduced heart rate and blood pressure. This means that Progressive Muscle Relaxation can be physically as well as mentally beneficial.

It's a good idea to try each technique, or combination of them, whenever you need to release stress and tension. They are very easy to perform and can have a big impact on your mental well-being and physical health.

About the Author

You'll find much more information on Relaxanet.com about Deep Breathing Exercises and Progressive Muscle Relaxation, as well as many other easy relaxation techniques.

Article Directory Source: http://www.articlerich.com/profile/Jay-Benjamin/62567

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