Not all relaxation techniques work for everyone. Relaxation is not a one size fits all! But there are 8 relaxation techniques to reduce stress that I find work.
But first, let me tell you a story …
So when my youngest child was 2 he locked himself in the car with my car keys inside on a hot day. To this day I’m not sure how he did it. But he did and the car was in the middle of a car park. I saw him do it and just as you see in the movies I felt the slow drain of blood leave my head. Anyhow, picture me trying everything to pry the window down …trying to Karate kick in the thing. Didn’t work! Then a woman came over sees me in increasing distress and starts telling me to “relax”.
Relax she said, just relax! With each repeat of the word relax I could feel the heat building up in my throat and face. And then I snapped “I am bloody trying to relax!”.
To which she poured a bottle of water over my head. (Don’t ask me where she pulled that from) I mean how annoying is it when someone keeps telling you to “relax” when clearly you’re a little bent out of shape? (Or a lot in this case)
That’s because not all relaxation strategies work for everyone.
In my case, if she had said let me help, I’m sure I would have been able to think clearer.
So with this in mind, I have put together 7 relaxation techniques that work for me and my clients at different times. So I know that one or three will help you.
Relaxation Techniques To Reduce Stress
- Deep breathing. 4 count in. 4 count hold. 4 count out. 4 count hold
- meditation even just two mins helps
- Progressive muscle relaxation. Think of each muscle and picture it relaxing then move to the next until your feeling zen
- Yoga, tai chi helps you connect to your inner self and the now.
- Walks in nature, laying out in the grass, sitting on the beach – spend time in nature.
- Massage or other soothing activities and practices
- Naps wrapped in a blanket
- Do something anything that you enjoy doing!
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