7 ways to Relax and De-stress!

What is relaxation?
The mystics say it is to completely “lose yourself” or to “be in flow” in your activity, so that all internal “chatter” is stilled. Modern-day researchers have linked relaxation to a marked slowing of brain waves accompanied by clarity that is called “the awakened mind.”

But how do we achieve this admirable state, and how can we maintain it over
time?

Let’s explore some of the
ways that you can quiet your mind, melt away stress and approach relaxation of
the body, mind and spirit.

Spend some time in the silence every day

In our high-tech world, we are surrounded by and immersed in information—streaming in via television,
e-mail, voice mail, fax machines and pagers. Information overload can become a detriment to your health, knocking you off balance and creating a sort of artificial dependence upon these stimulations. So make time for yourself, and take a break from the info-stream every day.

Reconnecting with stillness is an important component of health

Every day, devote a little time to take yourself out of the “busyness” game. First, eliminate all forms of intrusion. Then close your eyes, breathe deeply and let your thoughts float downstream like a log carried by the river. You can practice meditation or
relax in a hot bath with aromatherapy. When a thought comes up, just watch it float away.

Pursue your passion

Activities that absorb you completely will slow your brain waves and put you into that “zone” in which internal chatter is stilled.
It could be bird watching, cooking, hiking, biking or riding, painting, writing, sewing, gardening, photography, working with
animals. Physical movement is important—it opens the chest, lifts your mood, curbs food cravings and lowers blood pressure. You’ll also sleep better at night.

Practice the “Relaxation Response”

Here’s the technique:
Repeat a simple, neutral word such as “one” for several minutes. For even more
profound physiological changes, use a word or phrase with meaning to you, such
as “Shalom,” “Om,” or “Hail Mary, full of grace.” Then close your eyes, breathe
in through your nose and out through your mouth, as you say your word or phrase
silently as you exhale. When stray thoughts come by, gently release them and
continue repeating your phrase. Do this deep breathing exercise for 10 to 15
minutes each day.

Treat yourself to a In-perosn/ Virtual Reiki Session

Getting a Reiki session on a regular basis can help to lower your heart rate and blood pressure, promote muscle relaxation, balance your chakras and help in emotional release.

Let the tears flow

Crying can be very therapeutic. Studies have shown that crying is one of the most cleansing experiences you can go through. Here’s why: Deep sobs open the chest and diaphragm, releasing bound-up energy. This helps to free your heart of muscular
tension. A good cry also enhances oxygen delivery to the cells and stimulates release of specific neurochemicals in the brain that promote relaxation.

Laugh

Watch a comedy film or the Comedy Channel. Read some of those Internet joke lists that you’ve been
archiving to “read later.” Dig out your old “Far Side” cartoon collections. Clip a cartoon and post it on the refrigerator or fax it to a friend, to double the effect.

Let’s start to relax right now!

Namaste.