Relaxation Techniques

When we hear the phrase relaxation techniques we tend to think of strange practices being carried out in the name of bringing about a sense of whole body well being.

For the most part, however, relaxation techniques are a group of exercises both physical and mental that can be used to bring about not just a sense of peace throughout the body but also – and more importantly for the sufferers of stress – in the mind.

Relaxation techniques commonly employed are:

• Yoga
• Self Hypnosis
• Meditation
• Imagery
• Music Therapy

You may be familiar with some of the aforementioned relaxation techniques but some of them may be new to you.

Imagery

Imagery is the practice of taking yourself to a place in your mind where you feel most calm, most relaxed and most at ease. This can be anything from a place from your childhood to a place you have seen in a travel guide. The mind is the most powerful thing we as human beings have and it has enormous potential for relaxation and enjoyment as well as for creating stress.

Many stress sufferers tend to feel they are trapped or alone and have nowhere to turn but this is not the case; it is simply a case that the mind is overwhelming them into thinking this is the case. And so the reverse may be applied – if the mind has such power to create negative thought then that same power can be used for positive thought. Relaxing in a quiet room or place and thinking about somewhere you have been or would like to visit can invoke a state of calm and release levels of stress that before might have caused the sufferer untold problems.

Music Therapy

Music Therapy is the practice of using music as a means of relaxation. Of course many of us may consider music to be anything but relaxing and many of us find music distracting but, given the right circumstances and the right frame of mind, music can be enormously relaxing as well as enjoyable. And again it does not necessarily have to be classical or opera. It can be the music you enjoy should that be rock n’ roll, heavy metal, any type of music. If it can provoke a sense of relaxation in you then it is perfectly acceptable.

There are some who find listening – for example – to whale song as relaxing. And this is perfectly acceptable; many of us find the sounds of nature relaxing as they evoke memories of our childhoods or visits to places we do not visit regularly. Again, just like imagery, music can be used to transport the mind to a calm and peaceful place where stress can be alleviated and positive thought can be promoted.

Self Hypnosis

Self Hypnosis is an alternative therapy that – as its name suggests – is carried out by oneself, normally in a quiet room. The idea with this particular therapy is that the individual practicing it can relax themselves to a point where they are deeply relaxed and free of stress and can use a series of affirmations – or mantras – to bring about auto suggestion. This may sound as though it cannot possibly work but many people say that the technique of self hypnosis not only has alleviated their stress but has also brought about positive thought where previously there was none.

As with all the alternative therapies we have discussed it is worth while discussing them with your doctor before undertaking any of them.