Relaxation

What is relaxation exactly?

The oxford dictionary cites, “the state of being free from tension or anxiety”. The Cambridge, “abatement or relief from bodily or mental work” and dictionary.com “a pleasant activity that makes you become calm or less worried”.

Using the definitions what is the literal act of relaxation?

Let’s start by noting that stress is a result of not relaxing.

Technically speaking, stress associates with our sympathetic nervous system. If the brain feels it is under a perceived physical threat, the body will react under instruction from the brain to increase the heart rate and pause numerous systems in the body to cope with the threat.

In order to relax we need to activate the Parasympathetic nervous system to send the message all is ok and it is safe to be cool calm and collected.

Relaxation sounds nice, but do we really need to relax?

A closer look at why we may need to relax.

·       The practice of relaxation is paramount to the management of stress and stress related symptoms as mentioned above.

The incorrect management or lack of management of stress can lead to maladaptive behaviours such as aggression, drinking or smoking too much, the participation in the use of illicit drugs, poor communication and much more.

Being stressed for extended periods of time can lead to fatigue, both physical and emotional and possibly depression through chronic stress.

A great deal of stress is not avoidable but is manageable if we are prepared to put in some effort.

·       When we relax, blood flow increases around the body giving us more energy.

·       Assists in a calmer and clearer mind which can assist with positive thinking, concentration and decision making

·       Relaxation also slows our heart rate reducing blood pressure and relieving tension.

·       Relaxation has also been attributed to helping digestion by absorbing vital nutrients which help fight illness and disease

·       Mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety and schizophrenia are reported to reduce in symptomology if we are relaxed.

·       A report from the Mayo clinic (October 2007) pointed out that relaxation needs to be in the forefront of everyone’s mind and must be prioritised for everyone from work-a-holics to stay at home parents and anyone else wanting to maintain good health. The Mayo report also demonstrated that relaxation reduces wear and tear on the mind and body. Adding, along with the benefits listed above, relaxation can reduce back pain, headache and muscle tension. Furthermore, the Mayo clinic added from this report that it is important to realise that relaxation does not mean being a “couch potato”. Instead, they suggest it is merely a change of pace from daily routine.

 So how do I relax?

There are many relaxation techniques and we will uncover a few of them. No matter what you chose, chose what works for you and make it part of your everyday routine even if its 5-10 minutes a day

·       If you’re interested in mindful colouring, you may want to use mindfulness colouring books to help you focus on the present moment and take your mind off other things. MINDSITE CAN YOU CREATE A LINK TO TAKE TO MINDFULLNESS COLOURING PAGE

·       Keeping a healthy work life balance helps with relaxation and managing stress.

·       Visualisation/guided imagery. Sit for 20 minutes focusing on a favourite object or place and bring all the colours, sights, sounds and smells associated into your image and sit quietly reflecting

·       Mindful walk. Not fast paced, just a stroll taking in all the elements associated with being in that moment

·       Meditation

·       Getting creative. Maybe a jigsaw puzzle or painting

·       Avoid an after work indulge in excessive alcohol consumption or binge eating. Long term, these activities can be harmful to your health

Recharge you!

Reconnect to you!

·       Regular exercise

·       Make a list of all the things that make you happy or bring a smile to your face. It can be a place, person or thing. Then connect with that to bring about joy. Joy is a clear winner in the relaxation stakes.

·       Listen to your favourite music

·       Connect with nature on a hike or swim

·       Take the time to get the mind body connection in sync with a massage.

·       Remove digital devices for a while. In today’s current environment devices often steal our opportunities to relax if we let them

Relaxation is something that should be practiced in small spurts throughout the day to maximise benefits. Always take breaks away from your work space, and where possible go outside to breathe some fresh air and boost oxygen to the brain

Additionally, during the day:

·       Take time out to practice some breathing exercises

·       Short meditations

·       Practice Progressive muscle relaxation

I’m practising relaxation and it isn’t helping me, what now?

Its pretty apparent that our cultures and society’s in which we work and live are changing at a pace we often cant keep up with and our natural instincts to survive are being challenged.

Recently, the world has had to cope with the COVID 19 pandemic and here in Australia we have had a flood crisis in epic proportions not before experienced.

Sometimes, we may just need a little help working with a professional such as counsellor, hypnotherapist, psychologist or any other mental health practitioner to unpack our thoughts and strategies the most appropriate interventions. Change doesn’t happen overnight and change is also something we need to participate in. So just thinking about taking time to relax is not relaxation.

Often we don’t identify with the need for relaxation for ourselves. If we are being told we need to relax, then chances are that we need to look at strategies no matter how irritating the suggestion.

Want to know more about how to get the most from relaxation, then take a closer look at our Relaxation Program

Read more here >>> https://www.castlemedical.com.au/news-and-media/relaxation