And relax .....
Relax, such a small word.
Few months ago I did a group on anxiety management & we got try out different relaxation techniques. In a group some of them felt bit weird but it opened my eyes to how many different ways there are to relax. Most people will think sitting crossed legged at sunset on a beach or having a massage as the ultimate in relaxation but what happens when you freaking out at work or in the shopping centre, these techniques just aren't gonna work! Not to forgot that needing a massage everyday to relax could turn out rather expensive unless you have a more than willing hubby ;-)
Holiday is a perfect time to relax. So I as I am on holiday, that is just what I have tried to do.
First I started with a walk around the resort - this is what they call active relaxing. Not everyone finds being still calming, so if your the kind of person that think sitting still would be torture then find some activity that relaxes you. Examples would be golf, walking, swimming or for the more energetic running or the gym to clear your mind. I also tried swimming today & after the whole body conscious stress (sadly I struggle with me in a swimsuit, too much on display) however when i finally got in the pool, I did find this very therapeutic. There is also a gym here, but oh what a shame I forgot my trainers (any excuse!).
The spa would be relaxing if I wasn't so body conscious so I gave it a miss but at home I do find having a monthly facial booked in & knowing its in the diary is nice to look forward to & the head & neck massage I get is bliss!
In this age of technology of course there is an app for relaxing. In fact there are loads! So if one app or technique is not for you then please try others. I have tried a few & the ones I find myself going back to over & over are the apps produced by Andrew Johnson. He is Scottish so I may be bias about his safe voice & recognisable accent but I started off with his deep sleep app & have never looked back. The free versions are great so much so I am aleays amazed they are free! So feel free to give him a try. As I said everyone's technique will differ but it's worth giving it a go.
As my holiday draws closer to packing up & stressful travel time today I decided to make relaxation my aim of the game. I went for a walk, a swim then listened to Andrew but the pool, soaking up some well earned vitamin D & sunlight which always lifts my mood! (Had been considering a SAD light but not got a a SAD diagnosis so? ....)
The main thing I'm learning about relaxation techniques is that it's not fair to call on your deep breathing when your feeling overwhelmed or to turn to your meditation corner only when you've had a nightmare day. Sure these techniques will be there for you if you choose breathing, meditation, mindfullness, visualisation, yoga, Tai chi (wow the list goes on) the more you use the,the better you become at one reducing your body response to stress & two they can be so much more effective when you truly need them!
So if you can try do something everyday, not just on holiday. Try incorporate your technique into your normal day. Make time for it, a little time out relaxing now can make you more productive in the long run.
Let me know how you relax
Love Mrs Brown xx
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