Places Pointer: Relaxation
Relax, refresh and refocus!
Why relaxation is more important than you think...
Relaxation is more than a state of mind, it can be a hobby that’s incorporated into your wider exercise schedule.
Whether relaxation is something that you want to do more of, or you’ve already mastered it, it’s a habit we all need should embed into our lives.
From lowering blood pressure, to reducing muscle tension, and all the way to improving sleep quality, our bodies need time to decompress in order to reap the benefits of relaxation and recovery.
We’ve covered three relaxation techniques to consider that can help you relax in whatever way suits you.
Autogenic Relaxation
Autogenic refers to something that comes from within you, making this technique one that uses the power of your mind and body to relieve stress and build feelings of warmth. One example could be repeating words in your mind to help you relax, which can then be good news for a more regular heart rate and calmer breathing. Speak your mind – quite literally!
Passive Muscle Relaxation
This technique works through the body and mind to soothe tension in the muscles, which can help you notice the difference between muscle tension and relaxation. Yoga and Pilates are powerful types of exercise where this mind-body connection can be put into practice.
Visualisation
A visual journey takes place during visualisation, where you may form images in your mind that remind you of a peaceful and scenic place or situation. One example could be the beach, and this can be taken a step further by imagining the sounds of the surroundings while you’re there to make the journey more sensory and calming.
In the midst of busy day to day schedules, sometimes the most productive thing we can do is relax!
Sources: Relaxation techniques: Try these steps to reduce stress (Mayo Clinic) | Deep relaxation skills (NHS Torbay and South Devon) | Momentum: Finding time to unwind (Yale)