What is relaxation?

• The ability to rest and recovery after work, physical effort, or mental challenges.
• Doing something that you enjoy, for pleasure.
• Finding a sense of peace, of fulfillment.
• Feeling calm, safe, comfortable.

 

Why is it good for me?

• It calms the nervous system, reducing stress, anxiety.
• It slows your beathing and heart rate,
• It reduces stress, improves sleep
• It helps you to feel better about yourself, lifts your mood.
• It improves rational thought, reducing the ‘what ifs’ and worries in your mind.

 

 

 

How do I relax?

• Pay attention to your breath, focusing on calm, rhythmic breathing.
• Send this calmness to where you feel tense in your body.
• Move gently, stretching your muscles to shift tension.
• Visualise a peaceful scene, imagining you are in a safe, calming place.

Summary

We can relax when we feel safe, and able to let go of our fears, our worries.

Relaxation is essential- without the ability to relax, we live in a permanent state of anxiety, you have need to ‘keep busy’.

So, let go of what you think you need to do right now, and just be present, pay attention to yourself. Feel safe, calm and take that deep breath right now. Relax.