Six relaxation techniques that help alleviate stress

Do you get stressed out? Do you feel you should work more on mental relaxation? Here are six simple relaxation methods you can practise more or less daily that will help decrease your stress levels in the short term.

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These tips were published by PsychCentral.com.

PMR (Progressive Muscle Relaxation)

This form of muscle relaxation will help get rid of acute stress and tension in your body. Sit down comfortably, close your eyes and then focus on different parts of your body one by one (feet, legs, hands, arms ...), making sure they are relaxed, completely free of tension.

Visualisation exercise

Sit down and envisage success. Or mentally go through the stressful situation you are anticipating so that when you really do experience it in real life, you will no longer be so nervous.

Meditation

Meditation has many forms, from Hinduistic to Buddhist or the purely "atheist" version. Find your own style of meditation and practise it.

Taking a walk

A short walk in the fresh air can have a surprisingly relaxing effect and you should definitely consider it if you find yourself under acute stress.

Physical activity

Physical activity, working out and cardio exercises: all such activities will help divert your attention away from your mental state and stress, and focus it on the purely physical aspects of your body. Moreover, physical activity helps release endorphins, which bring a sense of happiness.

Breathing exercises

Perform breathing exercises in which you breathe in and out slowly for at least five minutes. Be sure to exhale twice as long as you inhale; otherwise you may hyperventilate, which could even worsen your stress levels.

 

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Article source Psych Central - the Internet’s largest and oldest website focused on mental health
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