learning how to relax

by Paul

Today I wanted to introduce you to a great resource called The Reality of Anxiety . The Reality of Anxiety is authored by Aimee who was kind enough to offer some tips for my readers on how to reach that ever elusive state of relaxation.

Learning How to Relax

This month I have been looking into different ways to relax. Not just take-a-hot-bath relax (although I have been doing that too), but techniques that can have a significant effect on my anxiety. It’s important to reverse the effects that panic does to our bodies, specifically lowering our heart rate, blood pressure, muscle tension, and all the other things that are usually raised when our bodies are in the fight or flight mode.

By incorporating a daily practice of some form of relaxation, you can “produce a generalization of relaxation to the rest of your life.” -Edmund J. Bourne

Or in other words, you will be more relaxed all the time.So far I have focused on a few different techniques, specifically:

Abdominal Breathing – Taking deep breaths is one of the easiest and most effective ways to get into a deep state of relaxation quickly. The reason people use a paper bag when hyperventilating is because the lack of oxygen forces you to take deeper breaths. When you are in a state of panic, usually your breathing is very short and shallow.

Calming Music – Listening to relaxing music is one of the most time-honored ways of reducing worry and improving moods. I personally like to listen to piano music to help me feel calm and at peace. It’s important to choose music that is not too emotional or stimulating.

Yoga – Studies have shown that yoga has health benefits such as improving a person’s sense of well-being, helping to lower blood pressure, increasing flexibility, strength, breathing, less stress, and more. Yoga’s postures, controlled breathing and meditation may work together to help ease brains plagued by anxiety or depression, a new study shows.”- E.J. Mundell, HealingWell.com reporter

I plan to look into more meditation techniques as the month continues and incorporate them into my daily life. What relaxation techniques have you found to help you manage your anxiety?

The Reality of Anxiety