Health and Beauty Tips

Relaxation has been described as ‘a state of consciousness characterised by feelings of peace and release from tension, anxiety and fear’. The term is usually taken to mean either lack of muscle tension or lack of inner ‘mental tension’.
It is now recognised that there is a myriad of techniques to suit different personality types and problems. Some people also encounter problems with ‘letting go’ and can become panicky when they try and relax. This needs to be discussed and a different type of relaxation technique considered.
It is helpful to find out what happens to the individual when they are tense:
- How does he/she know they are tense?
- What happens first? What next?
- What helps? What doesn’t?
- Have they had problems with previous attempts at relaxation?

Different relaxation techniques appeal to different people. Please try out each technique, then choose the one(s) that suit you best.

Whole body tension
- Tense everything in your whole body, stay with that tension.
- Hold it as long as you can without feeling pain.
- Slowly release the tension and very gradually feel it leave your body. Repeat three times.

Imagine air as a cloud
- Open your imagination and focus on your breathing.
- As your breathing becomes calm and regular, imagine that the air comes to you as a cloud.
- It fills you and goes out.
- You may imagine the cloud to be a particular colour.

Pick a spot
- With your head level and body relaxed, pick a spot to focus on (eyes open at this point).
- When ready, count 5 breaths backward: with each breath allow your eyes to close gradually.
- Concentrate on each breath.
- When you get to 1, your eyes will be closed. Focus on the feelings of relaxation.

Counting ten breaths back
- Allow yourself to feel passive and indifferent, counting each breath slowly from 10 to 1.
- With each count, allow yourself to feel heavier and more relaxed.
- With each exhale, allow the tension to leave your body.

Transformations: pick one that works or make up your own
When you think of images like: Tightly twisted ropes - Imagine: The twisted ropes untwisting
When you think of images like: Feel of cold, harsh wind - Imagine: The cold wind becoming warm and soft
When you think of images like: Hard, cold wax - Imagine: The wax softens and melts
When you think of images like: Tense, red muscl - Imagine: The red muscles soften or lighten to pink

Affirmations: pick one that works or make up your own
- Breathe deeply and slowly : This discomfort will pass…..let it go.
- Let the tension flow away : I have the power to handle this.
- I am calm & relaxed, ready for anything : Relax the jaw, lower the shoulders.