Relaxation Techniques for Stress and Anxiety

Living in the Present

The best relaxation technique is to stop worrying about and focusing on the future. Sometimes over thinking about future events and things we have no control over can lead to tremendous amounts of anxiety. It is also necessary not to dwell on the past every now and then because it is unchangeable. One thing to relieve stress is to be mindful and vigilant about our surroundings. Being able to appreciate the sights and sounds around us and living in the present is also very liberating for most people.

Immersing in Music

Much research has been done regarding the relationship between listening to music and feeling less stressed. Listening to soothing music is a great way to curb stressful thoughts. Music that tends to be closer to the sounds of nature is usually played at recreational places and restaurants. A person can compile his or her favorite playlist to feel stress free while listening to it.

Deep Breathing

Deep breathing is one of the most common relaxation techniques and is also a precursor to many other activities that relieve stress. It can be done anywhere and anytime of the day. It is simple yet a powerful technique to ward off stress. The best way to deep breathe is to put one hand on the abdomen and the other on your chest. Inhale via your nose in such a way that the hand on the abdomen should move out and the one on the chest should move a little. Exhale through the mouth. This technique should help a person take deeper breaths from the abdomen rather than taking short bouts of breath through chest. This instantly relives stress and calms down the nerves.

Deep Breathing Exercises to Lower Stress Levels:

Visualization

This relaxation technique requires the person to sit at a quiet and peaceful place and to imagine the most appealing place and scenarios in such a way that at least three of his senses are made use of while imagining the scenario. It is okay to get drifting thoughts and to get zoned out from present when you are imagining an environment that can relax you. The more vivid the imagination is the better this technique works.

A Meditation for Stress Relief & Anxiety: Walk Along the Beach Guided Meditation Visualization

Progressive Muscle Relaxation

This exercise requires the person to stretch and relax various muscles of the body in a quiet and peaceful environment. A person can stretch his or her hands, arms and toes away from the body and then relax them. Similarly forehead muscles can be relaxed by first making a frowning face and then relieving the muscle pressure. It also requires the person to take deep breathes. It should be done for 20 minutes every day.

A 6 Minute Mindful Progressive Muscle Relaxation:

Yoga

Yoga is a stress buster claimed by many. It is believed to help release tension and make a person calmer and less anxious. It is not necessary to join a yoga club to reap its benefits, and neither is it required to practice it for long period of time in order to ward off stress. Simple yoga moves learned through the internet can be very helpful in relieving stress. A person can practice mild to moderate yoga moves for around 15 to 20 minutes in order to feel invigorated every day.

Yoga for Relaxation, 20 Minute Beginners Home Stretch Routine:

More Relaxation Techniques

Some other activities and relaxation techniques that take less than five minutes and can be done at any time of the day include eating and drinking aromatic and healthy food, meditation, getting massages at spas, exercises and taking a stroll in a park.

It is vital that no matter what activity the person takes up as relaxation technique the key is to not focus too hard on it as it should not require a lot of focus and hard work on part of the person who indulges in it. A difficult relaxation technique defeats its own purpose. Therefore, a person can try a number of activities, out of which or she can choose the one which relieves the stress the most. After selecting such a relaxation technique, he or she should practice it daily for an allotted time.

There are uncountable activities that can be counted as stress reduction techniques. Relaxation techniques aim to lower blood pressure, fatigue, heart rate, anger and frustration along with improving hormone levels, concentration span and reducing mood swings, muscle tension and pain. Relaxation techniques for anxiety and stress along with maintaining a positive outlook can render great mental, emotional and physical benefits for any person.