Relaxation Techniques To Help You De-Stress

The relaxation response:

Developed by Dr. Herbert Benson, a cardiologist at Harvard University School of Medicine, this simple mental exercise will put you in a relaxed but highly energized state in a matter of minutes.

How to do it.

Sit quietly in a chair where you will not be disturbed. Close your eyes. "Warm up" by concentrating on releasing tension from all your muscles, beginning with the feet and moving up to the face. Feel yourself becoming loose and limp. Breath slowly and naturally. As you breath in through your nose, try to be aware of the air as it enters your body. As you breath out, say a word such as "peace" (this can be any word that you select) silently to yourself.

Technique: Breath in ... and breath out... "peace". Continue this for about ten minutes. Then, open your eyes slowly and remain still for another minute or so before getting up.

This very efficient technique can be incorporated into any phase of your daily routine. Many have used it while commuting by bus or train, and it is a perfect exercise to do right at your desk. You will feel remarkably renewed when you emerge from the relaxation state, ready to tackle just about anything that comes your way.