Relaxation

Stress can be dealt with in all sorts of ways: a walk, a bath, exercise, laughter, singing and many, many more. These all work very well. Here we shall look briefly at ways to deal with stress.
Breath
Breath is all-important in helping to still the mind. Increasing oxygen flow, and freeing the flow of the life force. Slow, deep and gentle breathing need not only be used in meditation. In any aspect of life, in the car; during difficult conversations; when worried or anxious; focusing on the breath, noticing the nourishment of the in breath, and the release of the out breath will help you to function more effectively and efficiently.
There are a confusing number of disciplines in the art of breathing. The important thing is to find what works for you and so long as your spine is straight, your muscles relaxed and your chin pointed slightly downwards, the only other factor is to breathe deep from your abdomen. A friend of mine, who is very sceptical of these things had been having trouble with tension when going for a medical scan, she was so tense the doctors could not carry out their tests. I suggested she try the breath technique, and the next time she went, it worked fine!

Relaxation technique tools

As a practising healer, I use breath techniques on a daily basis both in meditation and in my normal working life. I discovered an inner-active computer software program about a year ago and rate it very highly. It actually monitors your relaxation levels through finger sensors, whilst at the same time you can watch your progress through a delightful on-screen journey. The teachers in the series are adept in their skills and as their student I was able to significantly increase my understanding of the use of breath.
Music is also conducive to good relaxation and meditation - look out for good quality cds to play quietly in the background whilst relaxing.
Mantras
Mantras are helpful in everyday life to divert the mind from repetitive thought. One word mantras are easiest and simplest, such as 'Calm'. Calm is similar to the Eastern Ohm, and is limitless. If repeated in your mind on the out breath it aids in the release of tension. Other words might be Peace, Courage, Space, Freedom. Sometimes you might try saying one word on the in breath and another on the out breath. For example Peace … ... Calm. Find the mantra that you resonate with, and allow it to change with time and your growth. Here's a story of a funny encounter another old friend had, he has a strong interest in spirituality and has studied many different religions. When approached late at night by potential muggers in a London back street, he fell back on the resource he felt most comfortable with - he started chanting 'Ohm'. The muggers were so confused by his behaviour, they ran off!
Positive thoughts
Laughter, joy, singing, exercise, positive thoughts and affirmations release the body's natural opiates, the endorphins. And these in turn help us to feel happier, and become healthier, they calm us down and give us a sense of peace with the world. Using positive thoughts truly makes life easier. I learnt much about the effect of the endorphines through Candace Pert's book, Molecules of Emotion.

Next - Meditation