How do you take care of yourself? What do you do to keep your body in shape? What about your mental health...do you give that as much attention? Take a look at your life and daily routine and make sure you are making time for regular relaxation which is so important for your mental and physical well-being.
Physical Benefits of Relaxation
Lowers blood pressure
Improves digestion
Releases muscle tension
Slows your heart rate
Reduces chronic pain
Can improve certain health conditions
Your body generally functions better
Psychological Benefits of Relaxation
Increases memory, concentration and problem-solving skills
Improves sleep
Helps to keep emotions in check
Helps to manage depression and anxiety disorders
Some Relaxation Ideas
Read a book
Watch TV or a film
Go for a walk out in nature
Do some exercise
Practise yoga
Have a good laugh
Spend time socialising with friends
Relax in a warm bath or shower
Spend time with your pet
Listen to your favourite music
Do some gardening
Have a massage
Try some drawing, painting or other craft activity
Bake a cake
Maybe you have some other ideas. What do you do to relax? Do you make time everyday to do at least one of these things?
Relaxation Techniques
There are several ways you can relax your mind and body and they are all quite simple and easy to do anytime and anywhere. When you get used to relaxing your mind and body you will automatically get used to recognising the signs of tension and stress and will be able to calm things down within a few minutes, improving your ability to think clearly, stay calm and reduce physical symptoms such as pain, high blood pressure, digestion problems and heart palpitations.
Deep Breathing
Deep breathing helps to relax your muscles by oxygenating the body and releasing carbon dioxide. It improves the flow and quality of blood as well as relaxing your mind, improving your mood and helping you to think more clearly.
1. Inhale through your nose, breathing in light and positive energy right the way down into your abdomen for the count of 5. 2. Hold the breath and count to 3. 3. Slowly exhale from a slightly parted mouth, imaging all negative energy being released for the count of 7.
Do this for at least 2 minutes.
Visualisation
1. If possible, find somewhere quiet where you can relax for a few minutes.
2. Close your eyes and imagine somewhere you would enjoy being right now. It could be somewhere you have visited, somewhere you go regularly to relax or somewhere in your imagination.
3. Use all your senses to really take you there and spend a few moments enjoying your little imaginary vacation.
Mindfulness
There are many different mindfulness activities you can try but all are designed to bring you totally into the present moment and stop you ruminating on past problems or worrying about an unknown future. Try this simple exercise.
1. Notice three things that you can see right now.
2. Notice three things you can hear around you, wherever you are right now.
3. Notice three things you can feel outside your body, such as your clothes, the feel of the chair you are sitting in or the sun on your skin.
4. Notice three things you can feel inside, such as any tension in your muscles or the feel of your heart.
Spend a few minutes being totally present, wherever you are and whatever you are doing.
Would you like to come along and discuss how hypnotherapy could help you? I offer a free, no obligation initial consultation.