10 Most Efficient Stress Relaxation Techniques

• Using relaxing music or writing down your feelings is a good way to deal with stress from throughout the day
• Combing visualization with deep breathing or yoga can be a good way to combat stress and tension
• Tensing and relaxing the muscles progressively can be a nice way to eliminate some of the tension of the day

One of the most dangerous health problems most Americans face is stress. Stress-related illnesses cause more lost days from work and reduce overall productivity, as well as quality of life for millions of people. Understanding various stress relaxation techniques is important for fighting these statistics. Here are some of the best methods.

10. Soothing Music

Music can provide you with peace of mind but only if you choose the right type of music. Leave rap, rock, and heavy bass rhythms out of it. Instead find something with a more soothing sound. Instrumental music works well. Listening as you drift off to sleep is a good idea.

9. Writing

Stress can occur when we don’t release our feelings. Writing down these feelings in a diary or journal can give you a useful way to get them out in the open safely and without dealing with confrontations.

8. Autogenic Relaxation

This type of relaxation combines imagining a relaxing image or place, such as field of flowers, while also doing a type of physical relaxation, such as controlled breathing or progressive muscle relaxation. Many of the techniques further down the list work well when combined with the imagery.

7. Massage Therapy

Massage involves the physical manipulation of the muscles or the body’s pressure points for the purpose of relieving stress. Remember that stress causes our muscles to tense up which causes pain and discomfort throughout our bodies. By relaxing those muscles through this manipulation, your body and your mind is able to relax.

6. Tai Chi

Tai Chi is one of the most active relaxation methods because it involves a series of slow but flexible movements with your body. Often people perform these movements in a group with everyone moving their legs or arms in slow, simultaneous motion. The control helps loosen muscles but the process also relaxes the mind.

5. Yoga

Yoga has been one of the best known and most commonly practiced stress-relief techniques for centuries. Because its popularity is returning in the United States, you can find books and videos to help you learn yoga techniques that are appropriate for your fitness level.

4. Guided Imagery

This technique involves vivid visualization. You picture some place that is very relaxing to you. And focus your entire mind on the details of that image, including all of the sensory details, such as the feel of the breeze against your skin or the smell of the blooming flowers. The more vivid the image the more relaxing the technique will be.

3. Mindfulness Meditation

Instead of allowing your mind to wander into all of the worries and stressors affecting you, try to focus completely on something you are doing at this moment. For example, if you are walking, focus on each step you take. If you are typing, focus completely on the movement of your fingers on the keys. This is a great method of meditation for stress.

2. Deep Breathing

One of the best anxiety relaxation techniques is deep breathing. When you can control your breathing, you can control all of the symptoms associated with anxiety, such as a racing heartbeat. You breathe in through your nose, hold the air in for a few moments then slowly exhale through your mouth. Combined with visualization this can be a powerful source of relaxation.

1. Progressive Muscle Relaxation

This technique involves the tensing and relaxing of the muscles in a focused and controlled way. For example, you would lie down on the bed, close your eyes, and begin by tensing up your feet, holding the tension for about ten seconds then releasing the tension. Gradually, you work up through the rest of your body doing the same thing.

The information supplied in this article is not to be considered as medical advice and is for educational purposes only.