Relaxation and ways to relax
There is a strong link or connection between the state of the mind and the state of the body. A relaxed and calm mind and body is our birthright. An anxious and stressed mind always causes our body to suffer. Complete relaxation is the key to good health and vitality.
After a long and stressful day it is advisable to relax and unwind oneself. The benefits obtained from all relaxation activities are multifold and affect areas of the mind and body that one may not be able to realize immediately.
Recreation is as important to transform the self to a new peaceful level of a relaxed existence, even amongst the din of everyday life.
There are some proven techniques to help achieve this metamorphosis. Once these methods are incorporated into the schedule they become more effective with daily practice. Each one of these techniques can be streamlined or used in combination as per your personal preference.
Always try to make the physical aspect of the background as comfortable as possible.
The state of sleep is the most relaxed state of self. One has to make an effort to move from one level to the other easily. Teach yourself to relax.
The law of suggestion is a powerful tool to control your mind. If you believe in a particular belief with your mind and heart then the chances that the beliefs are true are high.
The law of concentrated attention suggests that if you totally focus on the belief or a goal it becomes true for you.
The application of the two above mentioned laws to the principles of relaxation are thus that the more we worry about being unable to relax or fall asleep the more stressed we become. It is therefore advisable to feel confident about these things with regard to yourself. After a certain time period it becomes routine to relax quickly and also be able to fall asleep quickly.
Keep the following points in mind to make the physical environment comfortable for you.
- Keep the amount of light, temperature and noise within the sleeping area as minimal as you can.
- Try and sleep at the same time every night.
- Avoid meals close to bed time especially heavy, oily ones.
- Avoid exercise close to bed time.
- Avoid activating your mind by reading books etc which suits only some people.
- Take a short walk before bedtime.
- Avoid nicotine, caffeine and alcohol hours before the stipulated bed time.
It is best to curl into a fetal position while trying to relax. Think of pleasant memories, real or fantasy. Think and imagine that you are in a beautiful place and experience in your mind all the sensations that the place makes you feel.
Engage in positive self talk, concentrate on your breathing or repeat words that are connected to prayer and positivity.
Practice yoga and meditation regularly, especially the Shavasan or the Corpse Pose which involves consciously relaxing parts of the body from toe upward. This is a very effective relaxation pose. To do this, you lie down symmetrically in order to give space to relax all parts of the body. Allow the legs and the arms to lie gently by the side. Rotate your legs and arms, turn your head from side to side and then to the center. Close your eyes and breathe deeply. Breathe in deep from the abdomen and let it move gently up and down with the breath. Concentrate on your breathing, breathe rhythmically. With each breath in and breath out many changes takes place thus removing stress and improving the clarity of your mind. With regular practice it is possible to allow your subconscious mind to exert control to the involuntary muscles of the body’s organs like the heart and the digestive system.
A similar and equally helpful technique is the ‘Jacobson’s technique’ which involves first tightening and then relaxing the muscles of the body from the toes upwards. This technique helps to identify tension, particularly muscular tension in the body.
Always remember that recreation is as important an aspect in relaxation. Try to indulge yourself in something you can enjoy, which also may be cost effective. Never view these activities as being a waste if time.
People who manage to spend some time for themselves enjoy a healthier lifestyle and have also been reported to have lesser chronic health problems.
Timely relaxation is vital to the human mind and body without which the result is a breakdown. A break from our work and other mundane activities is necessary to keep us active and energetic both physically and mentally.
