Relaxation Tips

In these times, many people live with chronic stress. The first step is recognizing that this is a problem that can have long lasting effects on your health. The single most important thing you can do is try to reduce the stressors in your life. It is unreasonable to expect to remove all stress, but evaluate your life - are you expecting too much of yourself? Are there circumstances or people in your life that cause stress and need to be dealt with? Once you have reduced your stress to a minimum, try using some of these suggestions to learn to consciously relax.

• Breath slowly and deeply — slowing your breath begins the relaxation response.
  • Start by extending your exhale out for longer than you usually would. Soon you’ll find that your inhales have naturally become slower and deeper.
•  Regular excercise has been shown to reduce stress — so get moving.
  • A walk with a friend or loved one can bring you back to your calm self.
• Try meditation — start by being aware of your breathing.
  • One simple technique is to say to yourself “I’m breathing out” as you exhale and say to yourself “I’m breathing in” as you inhale. Start with three minutes and slowly add a minute until you’re able to sit in meditation for 15 minutes.