Relaxation Through Exercise

Exercise. It’s a word that sends a shiver up the spines of many, as they think of hours on a treadmill and sweat pouring from their bodies. And because of this, many people would never connect the word ‘exercise’ with the word ‘relaxation’. However, relaxation exercises are very easy, and don’t require you to be a top athlete. Anyone can do these exercises to become more calm and relaxed.

Just Breathe

Breathing exercises are a great way to relieve stress. There is no charge for breathing, and the ease with which these exercises are performed means that pretty much anyone can do them, pretty much anywhere.

When we are stressed or anxious, we often breathe shallowly or hold our breath without realising, which reduces your oxygen intake and makes your body work harder. Deep breathing exercises allow your body to relax, and make you feel calmer as a result. A simple online search will provide you with all the ins and outs of breathing exercises, making it completely free to learn.

The Lotus Position

Yoga is another form of exercise that most people can do, and is extraordinarily helpful when it comes to relaxation. It combines gentle physical exercise with the idea of emotional health, and many find it a very relaxing and worthwhile practise. Breathing is important in yoga as well, and breathing techniques learned through yoga can be used by themselves to relax you.

Taking a yoga class is a good way to correctly learn how to do this form of relaxation exercise. However, if you don’t want to spend that much money, or don’t find it relaxing to do yoga positions in a room full of people you don’t know, there is a wide range of DVDs available that will help you learn how to get the most from your yoga experience. This allows you to achieve relaxation in the comfort of your own home.

Progressive Muscle Relaxation

Progressive muscle relaxation is a stress relieving technique in which you alternately tense and relax certain muscles in your body, and allows you to achieve deeper relaxation than would otherwise be possible. This is because when your body is physically relaxed, it becomes much easier for mental relaxation to occur.

PMR can be done in the privacy of your own home, and doesn’t cost anything to perform. It can be easily learned, although it may take some time to get the hang of.