Here are some techniques you might want to consider:
1. Deep breathing
A simple but effective method of relaxation. "It works well in conjunction with other relaxation techniques such as Progressive Muscular Relaxation, imagery and meditation for reducing stress," says Ravi Tripathi, a yoga teacher based at Kanpur. Here's how to do it:
. Inhale. Close your mouth, loosen your shoulders, and inhale as slowly and deeply as you can.
. Hold. Keep the air in your lungs as you slowly count to 6.
. Exhale. Release the air through your mouth, again slowly counting to 6.
. Repeat. Go over the inhale-hold-exhale cycle 5-10 times.
2. Progressive Muscular Relaxation (PMR)
This is good for relaxing your body, especially when your muscles are tense. It requires slowly tensing and then releasing every muscle group individually, from the toes all the way up to the face. "It is useful for calming nerves before an important presentation or performance, and for quieting down when you are highly stressed," says Ashish Verma.
3. Meditation
"The concept behind meditation is to consciously relax your body and focus your thought processes on one particular thing for a prolonged period. Your mind thus remains occupied and diverted from issues causing you stress," says Tripathi. Follow these steps:
� Sit comfortable and quietly.
� Close your eyes.
� Relax your body muscles (you can use a technique like Progressive Muscular Relaxation for this).
� Focus on your breathing.
� Breathe in deeply, then exhale. Count your breaths (gives you something to do with your mind, helping avoid distraction).
� Repeat this for 10 or 15 minutes.
4. Self-hypnosis
"This is when you hypnotise yourself. Affirmations are often used -- positive statements we repeat to ourselves to counter stress and unpleasant thoughts. An example of an affirmation is 'I feel vibrant and alive. I love how I feel'," says Verma. Sit down at a quiet, comfortable place. Relax your body. Imagine waves of relaxation running down your body from your head downwards, washing away stress. Feel the muscles in your body relaxing as waves of relaxation wash over them.
Next, utilise suggestion to deepen the state of relaxation. You can do this by simply saying to yourself: 'I am tired and sleepy. I can feel my arms and legs getting heavier. I am becoming more and more tired�' Once you feel completely relaxed, add the affirmations you have prepared too.
5. Yoga
If you have tried it, you already know that it can help you achieve your goals with more focus and renewed spirit. "Yogic breathing reduces blood pressure and brings intense relaxation. Furthermore, it gives you improved appearance via better posture, muscle and skin-tone, if practiced regularly. Bones and muscles are strengthened and joints become more flexible. It is also amazing to see how much more positive a person's outlook on life becomes within just a few months of practice," says Tripathi.
6. Imagery
You may have noticed how particular environments can be very relaxing, while others can be extremely stressful. This is the idea behind the use of imagery in stress reduction. "You use your imagination to recreate a scene, place or event that you recall as being relaxing, safe, peaceful, beautiful and happy. You can bring all your senses into the image by, for instance, imagining sounds of running water and birds, the smell of cut grass, etc. Use the imagined place as a peaceful retreat from stress and pressure," says Verma.
7. Music or suggestion CDs
Another approach is listening to calming music or relaxation tapes. Soothing music has a lot of power to influence your thoughts and feelings. "It takes no effort from your side to listen to these. Moreover, they can be very welcome at the end of a long day," says Verma. Examples of such audio CD titles are Yoga Nidra - Complete Relaxation by Yogacharya Arunkumar (approximately Rs 150) and Ragas for Relaxation (a collection of Indian classical music by various artists for approximately Rs 295).
With continued practice in the techniques enumerated above, you may experience renewed energy, better concentration, better ability to deal with problems, more efficiency in daily activities, less indigestion, headaches, nausea, and less frequent emotional responses like anger, anxiety, crying, anxiety, apprehension and frustration.
Sounds good, doesn't it? What are you waiting for?
2006-10-02 13:36:59
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answer #1
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answered by Anonymous
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If you are looking for somewhere closer to home in UK, try Bodmin Moor area. We went to Bolventor (Jamaica inn) and it was relaxing there - almost no crowd (even the drive was good)
If you want somewhere in Europe, try eastern europe, but avoid Prague - it has become too commercial. Instead I am told Montenegro or Croatia is better.
For somewhere further away, nothing will beat Bhutan - this peaceful kingdom in the Himalayas will want you to come back for more.
2006-09-29 03:05:44
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answer #2
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answered by estee06 5
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The Lake District.
2006-09-29 03:03:11
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answer #3
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answered by MANC & PROUD 6
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Go for a break to Scotland. We stayed in a little cottage called Glencottage. It was absolutely wonderful. We walk all over the show, hundreds of waterfalls , the scenery is fantastic and we just chilled. Nobody worried us and we worried nobody . Try it.:)))
2006-09-29 02:58:24
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answer #4
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answered by Duisend-poot 7
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I went to a lovely resort called Molyvos on the Island of Lesbos last year, I have never been anywhere so pretty, quite and relaxing. Try it, it's lovely!
2006-09-29 03:07:31
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answer #5
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answered by bumbleboi 6
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Book yourself a cottage in the wilds. Plenty of places to choose from. Try Derbyshire for a start or maybe the New Forest.
2006-09-29 02:58:31
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answer #6
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answered by SYJ 5
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The other suggestions I see here are interesting and undoubtedly very pleasant, but I have another idea.
Go to your bedroom, put the lights out, lie down, close your eyes and put in earplugs.
A cheap n' hassle free way to relax!
I used to do it all the time, but the sound of my own blood ringing in my ears drives me crazy.
2006-09-29 04:45:08
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answer #7
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answered by pewnee 2
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try the North west of Ireland, Donegal has the lowest population in Ireland, you can get a cottage by the sea, go for walks on some remote beach (400 miles of coast) and can easily be miles away from anyone.
2006-09-29 03:03:56
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answer #8
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answered by Anonymous
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Norway, it is heaven, it need not cost the earth, you can legally camp anywhere as long as it is 100 metres from a house, buy food and beer in shops and discover your self and a fantastic, beautiful and rich country
2006-09-29 12:09:39
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answer #9
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answered by Rob 2
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You can come to my place, we have 2 holiday cottages overlooking the valley of Duras in south west France, peace quiet, wonderful wildlife, good wine all here waiting. Email me if you'd like the website.
2006-09-29 03:03:49
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answer #10
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answered by pinkbabi 2
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My wife and I have always loved going to Kauai....you can sit at the beach in the South on the Napali Coast or go watch the surfers on the North Shore.....wish we were there right now!
2006-09-29 03:02:46
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answer #11
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answered by Anonymous
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