Relaxation: most of us do not relax enough. Many studies show we fail to make full use of our vacation time, we take work home with us, and otherwise create our own stressful situations. There are numerous ways we can find to relax however, and many of them can be taken advantage of at home, in our offices, or even while we are commuting to work. Let’s explore some of the different types of relaxation therapy.
Meditation for Relaxation
Meditation can take on two different forms. Transcendental meditation generally requires you to be in an area where you are not self-conscious because you will be chanting. This type of meditation is very relaxing for many people and allows them to feel calmer.
The second form of mediation involves mindfulness. This form of relaxation is easy to use anyplace you may be, including your desk, a chair at home, or sitting outside. This form of mediation encourages you to focus on sensations, such as the feeling of the chair beneath you, the feeling of the ground, or the air around you.
Visual Imagery and Body Awareness
This form of relaxation therapy can be done nearly anyplace you feel comfortable. The goal is to focus your mind on a place you find relaxing, and then focus on how various parts of your body feel. For example, you may focus in on how heavy your legs feel, the feel of your heartbeat, or the warmth of your body.
Tensing and Releasing for Relaxation
While it may seem to be the opposite of what you want, one method of relaxing involves tensing and relaxing your muscles. This method allows you to focus on groups of muscles, beginning with your head, and ending with your feet. Once this is complete, your body should feel far more relaxed.
All of us could use more time to ourselves, but the demands of raising a family, dealing with housework, and running errands can sap time away from us, and sap our energy. Finding easy ways to relax during a busy day is important for all of us; relaxation helps us remain focused, and contributes to our overall well-being. Find a method that works best for you; you will never regret taking a bit of time to focus on yourself, your well-being, and to restore yourself by practicing effective relaxation techniques.