Feeling stressed out? You’re not alone. According to the latest study from the Mental Health Foundation, 74% of people often feel so stressed they’re overwhelmed or unable to cope. Stress is how you react when you feel “under pressure or threatened”, and it usually happens when you’re in a situation that you “don’t feel you can manage or control”. Everyone reacts differently when dealing with stress, and it can manifest as mental symptoms like low mood, anxiety, or the inability to switch off, as well as physical signs like trouble sleeping, difficulty breathing, and digestive issues.
But fear not, there are ways to combat stress. Relaxation techniques are designed to reduce stress and anxiety, promote relaxation, and enhance overall wellbeing. Regular practice of these techniques can lower blood pressure, reduce chronic pain, improve sleep, and decrease muscle tension. So, let’s dive into some of the best relaxation techniques to help cut through the chaos, ease the stress, and live a more relaxed existence.
1. Meditation
Meditation is a relaxation tool that requires you to focus your attention on the here and now and clear your mind of all its jumbled thoughts. It’s known to manage chronic stress, increase self-love, and boost attention span, creativity, and focus levels.
2. Stretch
Stretching can aid better posture, increase range of motion, and be a great stress reliever. It’s a simple way to ease tension and boost relaxation.
3. Exercise
Exercise doesn’t just benefit you physically, it also neutralises the effects of psychological stressors and reduces stress hormones while stimulating the production of endorphins.
4. Acupuncture
This age-old Chinese practice has been used for over 2,500 years to help alleviate stress by inserting needles into pressure points on the body.
5. Massage
Massage stimulates pressure receptors, leading to enhanced vagal activity and reduced cortisol levels, making it a great relaxation technique.
6. Progressive muscle relaxation
This technique involves tensing and relaxing muscles in a sequential pattern, helping to reduce stress by relaxing muscle tension.
7. Visualisation
Visualising a safe and secure place can combat stress levels, making it a great relaxation technique.
8. Cognitive behavioural technique
This type of therapy helps people learn how to identify and change their thought patterns that negatively impact their behaviour and emotions.
9. Breathwork training
Consciously and mindfully changing your breathing pattern can promote relaxation by reducing stress hormones like cortisol.
10. Energy healing
Energy healing restores balance and overall wellbeing through the use of hands, crystals, or acupuncture needles.
The 333 rule is a relaxation technique used by anxiety-sufferers, encouraging them to look around their environment, name three objects, three sounds, and move three body parts to manage stress in the moment.
So, if you’re feeling stressed, give these relaxation techniques a try and take a step towards a more relaxed existence.
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