Breathing and Relaxation Techniques

If you have ever been stressed out and irritable, then you know the effects that stress can have not only on your metal stability, but also on your overall health.

In fact, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has reported that in 2001 nearly 50% of stress-related cases ended up in individuals being absent from work for at least a month.

Those statistics are daunting and indicate that there is a need for more ways to reduce stress levels. One of the ways that you can combat stress is through breathing and relaxation techniques. Recent studies have shown that those who practice breathing and relaxation techniques fare better in their daily lives and are healthier overall.

In recent years, the focus for de-stressing yourself has been on the subject of how to prevent stress in the first place. While some stress may be unavoidable, there are ways to perform relaxation techniques for stress that will help you to not only clear your head, but also give yourself a boost of energy that will allow you to accomplish tasks and attend work. Here is a common one:

Progressive and Deep Relaxation Techniques

The progressive relaxation technique involves finding a quiet spot so that you’ll be able to focus not only on your breathing, but also so that you won’t be disturbed when you practice.

After you have found a quiet spot, get yourself into a comfortable position. This could be in a laying position or in a sitting position. But finding the best position for yourself that will allow you to relax all of your body is of utmost importance.

Progressive relaxation means that you slowly relax every part of your body during your breathing and relaxation session. One should first take a couple of deep, cleansing breaths and then continue to focus on your breathing throughout the entire relaxation session.

Starting with your toes, slowly and progressively relax all the parts of your body, moving from your feet to your knees to your upper thighs, to your abdomen and chest, to your hands, arms, shoulders, neck and head. Performing these progressive relaxation techniques does not have to take a long time, but a good 5-10 minutes is important to obtain the most benefits.

Other Breathing and Relaxation Techniques

If you don’t have a lot of time or are in a hurry you can also practice shortened relaxation and breathing techniques. Take deep, cleansing breaths in through your nose and out through your mouth. Repeat several times. You can even close your eyes while doing so to visualize yourself relaxing to make the session even better.

Toe Tensing is also an effective stress reducer. Pull all 10 toes back toward your face, count to 10. Relax your toes, count to 10. Repeat.

Some people have used aromatherapy to relax and these techniques have worked just as well also.

All in all, relaxation and breathing techniques are very important to obtaining a healthier lifestyle, along with performing good stress prevention techniques. Breathing and relaxation should play an important role in your lifestyle and be practiced everyday!