Relaxation Techniques

The Third Stress Management Approach

In Your Relaxed-and-At-Ease Guide to
Stress Reduction Approaches

Relaxation techniques include anything that generates the relaxation response ... Like watching a sunset...

Or getting a massage...

Deep breathing ...

Walking in nature...

Listening to relaxation music...

Taking a warm bath by candlelight...

And guided relaxation exercises like...

• Body Scans
• Guided Imagery Meditations
• Mindful Movement
• Progressive Muscle Relaxation
• Breath Meditations

Relaxation techniques are one of my twenty favorite stress reduction approaches because in order to reduce stress most of us need to relax.

I've even created a CD (also available as downloadable mp3 files) of relaxation and meditation exercises to help people practice relaxing. It's called: Time to Breathe and Relax.

With the busy, full, and stressful lives that most people lead today, we need to intentionally take time to relax.

Consider group stress reduction methods like going to a wellness day or taking a meditation class. The structure and group energy these types of opportunities give us can be really helpful.

I know for myself, sometimes, it seems like I don't have enough time to relax... I feel concerned that if I take a break I won't get everything done that needs to get done.

I guess we all have a choice - do we want to relax and take care of our health or...

Do we want to continue to live out the illusion that "I don't have enough time."

Do you want to learn how to relax?

Subscribe to my E-zine - Feel Relaxed-and-At-Ease.
Receive an email about once a week with a message that can help you remember how to feel relaxed-and-at-ease.

I intentionally decided to regularly use relaxation exercises because...

Several years ago when I was working at a hospital 3 days a week and full-time mothering a small child, my family would go on two week vacations.

I think because they were so long, while I was on those vacations I would feel myself REALLY relax.


It felt GREAT!

I remember thinking to myself one day... "Why can't I feel like this every day? Why do I have to go away on a vacation to feel so relaxed-and-at-ease?"

That was a turning point for me.

I knew being stressed wasn't good for me. (See what I wrote about this on the "If you're too busy" page...)

So I made up my mind to figure out how to feel relaxed-and-at-ease every day. It didn't happen over night.. but it has happened - well mostly...

Over the years, I've tried lots of different relaxation techniques. I think because of this, my body, mind, and energetic systems are much more flexible and adaptable than they used to be.

Change is MUCH easier for me.

When I'm in the grocery store, tired, ready to go home... and there is a line in front of me...

I often notice that my first reaction is to feel annoyed. Then I notice that my chest is tense and by breath cycles are short and constricted...

So... because I have been practicing relaxation exercises...

I slow my breath down, become aware of my surroundings in the present moment, and remember...

There is only this moment.

If you have any questions about any relaxation techniques or exercises email me by using the contact form below. I will respond as soon as possible.

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