The secret to total relaxation is a controlled and balanced state
of mind and body. If you spend the entire time worrying about what bad or worse
could happen, then you can never learn to relax. Sometimes though, some
situations could get you there where it seems virtually impossible to relax.
Good thing, you can learn and practice some techniques that will help you relax
both your mind and body almost in an instant.
Relaxation – As Simple
as Deep Breathing
When you are under stress, you body starts to evoke shallow,
fast,
irregular, and tense breathing. In contrast, when you are calm, your
breathing is free and relaxed. According to Michael Lee, founder of Phoenix
Rising Yoga Therapy, Bristol, Vermont, and author of “Turn Stress into Bliss”, you can instantly transform your tension
into relaxation by just changing the way you breathe.
Gentle, deep breathing exercises can help you relax because it
makes your body feel the way you feel when you are relaxed. Thus, if you find
yourself in stressful situations, the best way to deal with your “nerves” is to
control your breathing. First, try to be aware of your breathing. To calm your
mind and body, start breathing deeply but gently at the same time. This will
help lower or regularize your heart rate and blood pressure.
Breathe slowly and naturally when taking air in and imagine
you are breathing in peace into your mind and body. When you breathe out, imagine
you are exhaling all your fears and worries. You can also learn to breathe
through your diaphragm to be able to breathe much deeper and calmer. Relaxation
through breathing techniques can be this simple – no need to complicate it.
Positive Thinking, Visualization,
and Positive Self-Talk
You can also reduce your stress by staying relaxed through
positive
thinking. First method is through visualization. Picture yourself relaxed
in a peaceful “dreamscape”. Take away your mind from the stressful situation by
thinking of your favorite vacation spot or imagining a perfect scene such as a fantasy
island or paradise. You can also focus your mind on a simple pleasant thought
like being in your most comfortable sleepwear, drinking warm cocoa or just
lying in bed with no worries.
The main idea is to remove all of your negative thoughts and
replace it with pleasant or calming ones. Keep your daydream as detailed and as
realistic as possible. Take special note of the sounds, sights, and even the
touch and feel of your imaginings.
The second positive thinking technique to relax and ease
stress is through positive self-talk. This means using only positive words when
thinking and even while talking. Use encouraging words such as, 'I can', 'I
will be able to', 'I can make it possible, 'I can do it', etc. Allow only
thoughts and feelings of confidence, success, strength, and happiness into your
consciousness.
Ignore all doubts and negative thoughts and substitute them with positive constructive ones. When you are out to do a difficult task, prepare by visualizing a successful outcome clearly and vividly in your mind. Concentrate and keep the faith while visualizing and you be pleased by the results.
Positive thinking and breathing exercises are easy to learn
and incorporate into your life most especially during highly stressful
situations. You can do them whenever and wherever particularly when you need it
most. The best part is that you are not required to use any special tools or
equipment to apply them. To relaxation, success, and happiness!
