In the past when I was going through stressful situations, my palms would sweat, my heart would race, my neck got tight and my stomach would hurt. For a while I could make these symptoms go away but after a while I found myself getting more aggravated and unable to sleep.
Soon after I wasn't able to handle the stress and I found myself tired and exhausted, barely able to navigate through my life on a daily basis. I was on stress overload.
Maybe you've felt like I did, so you decide to go to your doctor. What happens? Your doctor tells you that you need to relax. Relax? You don't have time to relax, but you don't have time for a heart attack either. So you ask, "How can I learn to relax?" The doctor tells you to try relaxation training. So what is relaxation training?
Well, relaxation training is made up of techniques you can learn and practice on your own. Once you learn them you can practice them anywhere. Here are some things that can help you learn to relax and stay calm.
Psychotherapy - Often doctors will refer you to a psychologist or mental health counselor. This doesn't mean that you're "mentally ill." These professionals can help you get your stress and mood under control.
Mental health professionals are also trained to teach you visualization, stress inoculation and other techniques that help you manage your stress. These are also therapies that you might be able to learn on your own using DVD and CD tutorials.
Hypnosis - Since hypnosis is one of my specialties I must admit I am prejudice toward its use. In my opinion, the reason you should go to a hypnotist is to learn how to relax yourself using self-hypnosis. And don't be worried about all the urban legends surrounding hypnosis. Contrary to false beliefs, you won't suddenly quack like a duck or howl at the moon. Today these types of techniques are often used by medical and psychological professionals for stress and pain management. For most people you'll learn all you need to know within a few sessions to be able to do this on your own.
Yoga - Take a series of classes to learn the basic Yoga movements. This ancient technique involves the mind and body so completely that you relax, stretch and develop flexibility all at the same time.
You can get DVDs and books to help you with the moves at home but rather than practice constantly by yourself alone, I would suggest scheduling a Yoga class at least twice a week and pre-pay. That will motivate you to get out of the house or the office and get into an environment better suited for the relaxation of practicing Yoga.
Tai Chi - I have been practicing tai Chi for many years. Tai chi is an ancient Chinese martial art that combines patterns of slow movements with deep breathing. In addition to helping you relax, Tai Chi improves your balance and your cardiovascular system. Many martial arts schools provide a Tai Chi class as part of their curriculum.
Qigong (Chi Kung) - I was introduces to Qigong over 20 years ago. Much slower paced than Tai Chi, Qigong also belongs to the Chinese martial arts. Using these very simple breathing and movement exercises, people all over the world have experienced a reduction in stress levels while improving their overall health.
Art or Photography - You don't have to know anything about either of these to enjoy them. Forget perfectionism and just put some paint on a canvas or shoot some pictures. Go outdoors to a tranquil park or garden to practice your craft.
You aren't trying to become proficient - just enjoy what you create. The time spent studying your subjects and looking at the results is what counts. Being creative, especially if this is completely different than your usual work, can be highly relaxing.
Act like a kid - this is one of my favorites and also gets me the most looks. Choose a day twice a month when you act like a kid. Go to the park and swing. Draw on the driveway with colored chalk. Watch funny movies in your pajamas or go to a kid's matinee.
Do something that is carefree and just plain fun. Once your stress level is down, keep up your relaxation training or you'll be back in the same overload situation again. It may sound silly, but relaxing is something many people have to learn because it doesn't come easily to them.
Bio
Wil Dieck is the founder of Total Mind Therapy. He uses a combination of of the mental techniques of hypnosis and NLP and the breathing and meditation techniques from the martial art of Qigong to help people learn to manage their stress. His practice is located in San Diego, California. If you are on stress overload and would like to learn some easy ways to relax he has a astressfreeyou.com free stress relief course.
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