The ability to relax at will is an important ability that everyone should possess, in my opinion. Today’s life in the western world is very tense, stressful, both mentally and physically. This is true for high-tech and computer workers, who sit long hours in front of the screen, creating constant tension in some muscles and joints, for many hours a day. This is also true for other workers, such as those who drive a lot, especially in dense traffic, when the mental pressure is high. Stress is a very common word these days, as people blame stress for many of their problems. People have a hard time to relax.
If you find yourself a bit stressed or can’t fall asleep at night, what can you do to relax fast? In this series I’ll introduce you to no less than 10 techniques that will help you to relieve short and long time stress.
Articles in the series:
- Relaxation technique 1: Breathing to relax and to calm down
- Relaxation technique 2: Progressive Muscle Relaxationn
- Relaxation Technique 3: Calming visualization
- Relaxation Technique 4: 61 point relaxation technique
- Relaxation Technique 5: Inducing alpha and theta levels using audio programs
- Relaxation Technique 6: Entering alpha state of mind by yourself
- Relaxation Technique 7: Meditation for the long run benefit
- Relaxation Technique 8: Thought substitution for calming and relaxation
- Relaxation Technique 9: Acupressure for stress reduction
These techniques are great. I find using a variety of techniques really helps. It’s almost as if once you’ve used one technique for a while you become resistant to it so you have to move away from that and use something different for a while.
I mix visual relaxation, with exercise (outdoors in the fresh air) and meditation – it works for me!
Does anyone else have any other techniques they want to share? I’m always out to learn more!
Great series.
I use visualisation to relax, I picture myself on a beach and feel the sun on my skin and hear the sounds of the sea. It really helps me a lot.
It’s important to invest at least 10 minutes a day
in yourself to relax or do whatever helps you to de-stress.
ps. I used to fall asleep too when meditating – you do get used to it and stay more focused in time.
Has anyone tried entering the alpha state of mind?
I’m just learning to meditate, but every time I actualy fall a sleep .Is this OK or I’m not doing someting right.
Ani, falling asleep can happen if you meditate when tired, especially if lying down. Begin with meditating sitting on a chair, holding your back straight. Most meditation guides emphasize this, since it also supposed to help align the chakras which bring more benefit from the meditation.
Yep, me too, I used to fall asleep when meditating. I think the tiem of day you do it has a lot to do with it to.
I was meditating in the evening but now I do it in the morning after I have showered and woken myself up properly. It really sets me up for the day plus I dont fall asleep anymore 🙂