Relaxation techniques
Click on the links below to try one of the relaxation techniques
Strategies for Stress relief
There are many ways to deal with stress. Listed below are few quick and easy stress relief activities that you can incorporate into your life and fit any part of your day.
Tension release:
Tense your muscles, one area at a time, and enjoy the relaxation upon release.
When tense, we often breathe from the upper chest. A full, deep breath helps relieve tension.
Focusing on body processes can help calm mental activity, which in turn can result in physical relaxation.
Picture a place (real or imagined) where you can be totally relaxed.
Slow it down to soothe mind and body --
Tense your muscles, one area at a time, and enjoy the relaxation upon release.
- Take a deep breath and hold it as you curl your toes for about 5 seconds, then let your breath go all at once
- Next clench your calves, thighs, buttocks, arms, shoulders, jaws and finally squeeze your eyelids
- Continue until you have done your entire body
When tense, we often breathe from the upper chest. A full, deep breath helps relieve tension.
- Take a deep breath, letting your abdomen expand fully
- Hold it for about 3 seconds
- Let your breath out all at once
- As you exhale, relax your jaw and shoulders
Focusing on body processes can help calm mental activity, which in turn can result in physical relaxation.
- With your eyes closed, shift your attention to the tip of your nose.
- As you breathe in, become aware of the air entering your nostrils.
- As you breathe out, be aware of the sensations of air passing back out. Do this several times.
- Repeat several times
Picture a place (real or imagined) where you can be totally relaxed.
- With your eyes closed, take a moment to visualize an ideal place to relax.
- Using all senses, feel yourself in comfortable clothes, hear pleasant sounds, see beautiful colors.
- Visit this spot whenever you need to relax.
Slow it down to soothe mind and body --
- Exhale with sound through your mouth to the count of eight
- Inhale quietly through your nose to the count of four
- Hold your breath to the count of seven
- Repeat for four breath cycles, and ideally twice a day