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5 fast ways to relax and relieve stress!
By Ben | July 5, 2008
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We all want to be able to relax and enjoy life. And if it weren’t for all the stress of modern life, we would probably be doing exactly that.
Unfortunately, it can be very challenging to structure a stress free life, so until this is possible, it is easiest to learn some techniques of stress relief.
The following techniques can be applied anytime you don’t feel as relaxed as you would like to be. It is also good to practice them in a relaxed environment a few times before you practice them in a stressful environment (whether this is work, family gatherings, a disagreement with a close friend or loved one, etc.). If you are at work, you might excuse yourself to the bathroom so you can have a few minutes to yourself to apply the techniques.
- Stretch: We typically get very tight in the area around the head and neck. Doing some neck and shoulder stretches before entering the stressful environment will allow you to relax longer in the stressful environment. You can also do some neck and shoulder stretches in the stressful environment to regain some relaxed focus. In addition, it is also useful to massage your face and forehead. Once you know the stretches that you like, you can do this with a quick face massage in 2-3 minutes.
- Tension-release: By tightening the muscles slightly, and then relaxing, you can bring yourself into a significantly deeper level of relaxation. Pull your shoulders up toward your ears and tighten your neck and shoulder muscles. Then relax and allow your shoulders to drift back down. Repeat this 3-5 times. This can be done in less than 2 minutes.
- Breathe deep: When you just stop, calm yourself, and take a deep breath, you can begin to feel the relaxation flow back into your mind and body. Take a few more deep breaths to allow the relaxation to flow through you. Usually, 3-5 breaths is plenty, but you can use as many as you like. This can be done in less than 2 minutes, and with practice, you may find that a single deep breath (maybe 15-20 seconds) will create an incredibly relaxing effect.
- Break your state: When there is a momentum of tension or frustration built inside you, occasionally you will have to do something to stop that momentum before you can move yourself in a new direction. Some easy techniques to do this are: clap your hands several times very close to your face, hold your breath until it becomes uncomfortable (be sensible) and then take a deep breath, splash some cold water in your face, or do a quick set of pushups or squats. As you practice, you will develop a ‘feel’ for how to do this best. Depending on your choices, it can take anywhere from a couple of seconds to a few minutes.
- All of the above: All of these techniques are most effective when combined together. Using just one technique will often be enough, but why not use two or more in conjunction? It will give you an even deeper effect. You can start by doing something to break your state, then do some tension-release while taking deep breaths (inhale on tension, exhale on release), then continue the deep breathing as you do some stretching. All these methods can be blended into a single exercise that can be done in less than five minutes. With practice, some people get a significant effect in less than a minute.
Keep in mind, if you are relaxed and centered while everybody else is stressed out,
You’re in control!
These are incredibly easy to use techniques, but you have to use them!
The more frequently you practice these (or other) stress relief techniques, the more you will notice the powerful effects of deep relaxation throughout your life!
keep smiling,
ben
P.S. if you haven’t told me what you would like to see in the new Peaceful Prosperity Coaching program, check out Questions for the new Coaching program…
Topics: -relaxation techniques, -Yoga, -Neuro-Linguistic Programming, Change Your Neurology - Mundane |
