Relaxation
Relaxation – ETHOS HEALTH CARE
Relaxation is the act of relaxing the mind and body, and can also be defined as the state of being relaxed. Various techniques are used by individuals to improve their state of relaxation. A relaxation technique is any method, process, procedure, or activity that helps a person to relax; to attain a state of increased calmness; or otherwise reduce levels of pain, anxiety, stress or anger. Some of the methods are performed alone; some require the help of another person (often a trained professional); some involve movement, some focus on stillness; while other methods involve different elements.
Certain relaxation techniques are
- Acupressure and Acupuncture
- Autogenic relaxation
- Biofeedback
- Deep breathing
- Meditation
- Massage
- Mind body relaxation
- Zen Yoga
- Progressive Muscle Relaxation
- Pranayama
- Visualization
- Yoga Nidra
- Hypnosis and Hypnotherapy
The benefits of relaxation techniques
- Slowing your heart rate
- Lowering blood pressure
- Slowing your breathing rate
- Improving concentration and mood
- Lowering fatigue
- Reducing anger and frustration
- Boosting confidence to handle problems
- Reducing activity of stress hormones
- Increasing blood flow to major muscles
- Reducing muscle tension and chronic pain
Remember that relaxation techniques are skills. As with any skill, your ability to relax improves with practice. Be patient with yourself. Don’t let your effort to practice relaxation techniques become yet another stressor. If one relaxation technique doesn’t work for you, try another.
