Relaxation Techniques

Relaxation techniques are an important part of stress relief.  Relaxation techniques include: deep breathing exercises, yoga, visualization, meditation and progressive muscle relaxation.  These are just a few techniques of many which will help relieve stress and anxiety.  Try them all until you find the one that is right for you.  Relaxation techniques are an important part of a healthy lifestyle.

Deep breathing exercises

Deep breathing exercises are a powerful relaxation technique that focuses on full breaths into the abdomen. It is a technique that anyone can learn and costs nothing to do. Once you learn this technique you can add relaxation music, or scented candles for an even more powerful affect.

How to practice deep breathing

The goal of deep breathing is to get as much air into your lungs as possible. The idea is to breathe through your abdomen to inhale more oxygen. The more oxygen you get the less stressed out you will feel. When you find yourself constantly on the go and it seems that there is more to do than there is day take a few minutes out and practice deep breathing exercises.

. find a comfortable chair to sit in

. put your left hand on your stomach so that your baby finger is just above your naval.

. put your right hand between your breasts

. breath in through your nose

. your left hand should rise

. your right hand should not move or should move very little if it does move

. exhale through your mouth and again your left hand should move but your right hand should not

move at all or very little

. do this exercise slowly. Count as you go for about 3-6 seconds in and about 6-8 seconds out

squeezing your abdomen on each exhale so you get every bit of air out