Relax ! - Sample Article

Relaxation - An Important Factor in Health and Well-Being

Relax! Do you dread it when someone says that, even though it's what you really want? Do you automatically tense, creating knots and stress? You may have tried to work through that exercise where you slowly release the tension throughout your body, only to find that you feel worse than when you started. If you cannot consciously relax - and you are not alone - then there are many tools available to help you.

Breathe! In any therapy, breathing properly is essential Sit or lie comfortably, close your eyes and take in one long deep breath, use your imagination and see or feel that breath filling up your body, spreading right down to your toes, let your stomach and chest move as you inhale and exhale. Let your mind drift. If thoughts intrude, just tell them you'll be back soon, and focus on that nurturing breath.

Play some gentle music.....stroke your pet, cuddle a cushion.....If certain aromas are soothing to you, incorporate them; there are many ways to use your sense of smell in your relaxation: peel an orange, heat up water and lemon juice and add some honey and sip this wile you inhale the fragrance, spritz your favourite perfume in the air, put a pan of hot water on the stove and drop in some vanilla or peppermint essence from your kitchen cupboard.....

These are little pleasures, but they go a long way to enhancing your sense of well-being, and you will find that your body will respond. Be gentle with yourself, focus on breath, scent, sound, touch, and pretty soon that shy and fickle relaxation won't be so elusive after all.