Relaxation Techniques- Breathing Exercises, Aromatherapy, Massage, Muscle Relaxation & Visualization

The Need for Relaxation Techniques

Stress is a major cause of physical illness and mental illness in human beings. Psychologists use various methods to help people reduce stress and improve well-being. These methods are referred to as relaxation techniques . There are standard treatments, such as counseling and medication for stress reduction, and there are alternative treatments. Some very effective alternative treatments are breathing exercises, aromatherapy, massage, muscle relaxation, and visualization.

Breathing Exercises

In life, we are frequently told to take a deep breath. Why does deep breathing seem to help in stressful situations? Breathing exercises have been shown to reduce blood pressure and heart rate, thereby increasing feelings of relaxation. There are many different types of breathing exercises, all sharing the goal of relaxation and reduced stress.

The main idea is that the individual must focus on the breathing and control the breathing in some way. One example is equal breathing - a technique that asks the participant to inhale through the nose for a count of four and exhale through the nose for a count of four. This exercise creates a sense of relaxation and regulates pulse and heart rates.

Aromatherapy

Aromatherapy uses the fragrance of natural essential oils to impact mood. Certain essential oils have been used in aromatherapy to produce relaxation. The theory is that just simply smelling the fragrance tells the brain to relax.

Lavender essential oil, a popular addition to bath products, has been used to induce relaxation and even sleep. Rose oil has been used for centuries in perfumes and cleansers to induce feelings of calmness and serenity. The scent of vanilla is also very popular for lotions and candles as a means of relaxation. There are even reports that the scent of vanilla decreases appetite.

Massage

Massage uses touch to relax muscles and relieve tension and stress. There are various types of massage ranging from Swedish to deep tissue to prenatal and beyond. Massage specialists are trained in human anatomy, with a special focus on the musculature system. The idea is that intentional and firm pressure to the muscles helps to alleviate stress. Massage therapists commonly incorporate scented oils and heat to magnify the power of touch and further reduce stress.

Muscle Relaxation

Muscle relaxation seeks to reduce bodily tension. One common method for muscle relaxation is progressive muscle relaxation. This method focuses on systematically tensing and relaxing the muscles of the body to decrease stress. For example, one might begin with tensing and relaxing the muscles of the face and progress down the body to the feet. Special attention is paid to the way the tense muscle feels compared to the feeling of the relaxed muscle. This awareness can help individuals work toward a more relaxed state of being in general.

Visualization

Visualization techniques help people relieve stress by focusing on positive and soothing thoughts and images. The practice of visualization is common among athletes. The idea is that the individual sees him or herself completing the desired motion in a relaxed and controlled state. This simple action often improves performance because it decreases nerves.

This technique is also useful for those facing stressful life events. For example, an individual who is nervous about dental work may get through it by visualizing serene and peaceful images, such as crashing waves on a sunny and warm beach. Visualization might be likened to a mental vacation!

Lesson Summary

Stress is a necessary part of life, but too much stress can lead to illness. Relaxation techniques can help moderate stress in human beings. Breathing exercises are useful in controlling the breathing of a person to reduce stress. Aromatherapy uses essential oils to elicit calm feelings and relaxation. Massage applies pressure to tense muscles to alleviate stress. Muscle relaxation encourages stress relief through intentional tensing and relaxing of the muscles. Visualization helps individuals create calm states of being through mental images. Each of these techniques can help reduce stress.