Ten Quick and Easy De-Stressers

A few good relaxation techniques can save your life, because stress is more than just unpleasant. It's also dangerous to your health. Disciplined practices such as meditation can help relieve that stress, but what if you don't have the time or motivation? Maybe you need to try a few of these simple, quick ways to relax and de-stress...you'll feel so much better for it too!

1. Hug someone. Giving a hug means getting one. As long as it's from somebody you don't mind hugging you, this really can be relaxing.

2. Interrupt routines. Go talk to that man sleeping on the bench, or eat lunch on the roof. Just doing anything that breaks you out of your habitual patterns can relieve stress.

3. Have a hot shower. It relaxes your muscles, and any break from more stressful activities can help too. Some find that an alternating hot and cold shower is even more relaxing.

4. Try watching your mind. Spot the stresses lurking just below the surface (hunger, worry, money, a phone call you need to make, a deadline to meet), and you can resolve them and feel more relaxed. If you practice this mindfulness exercise, it may become one of your favorite relaxation techniques.

5. Try laughing. Your own experience shows that this helps you relax, right? Go find someone that knows all the best jokes or just has a great sense of humour, or find something funny in front of you.

6. Use relaxing music. Keep your favorite relaxation CD or MP3 at the office, in the car, or wherever you'll need it most.

7. Leave the room for a while. This can really help if the things in the room or related to it are triggering your stressful thoughts. Why not get out for a little while?

8. Breath deeply. Try five deep breaths through your nose. Close your eyes and pay attention only to your breathing while doing this. It's like a mini-meditation, and perhaps the most effective of the quick relaxation techniques.

9. Drink some chamomile tea. Chamomile tea seems to have a calming effect on the nerves. Any hot tea without caffeine may be relaxing.

10. Walk a while. If you have at least ten minutes to spare, walking is one of the best relaxation techniques. While you're at it, find a pretty place to walk.

Naturally, it is ideal if you can change yourself, so you're naturally more relaxed all the time. Perhaps the thought of the work involved in this just stresses you more. In that case you might have to take it slow, so why not start with one or two of the simple relaxation techniques above and then slowly progress to meditation?

Meditation Techniques: The Art Of Silence

In today's fast-paced world, many people are seeking a way to get away from it all and relax. Meditation, which is essentially a method to obtain a level of deep thought, calm and relaxation, is one way to find inner peace and tranquility. Many people think of monks or other spiritual types sitting in crossed-leg position and reaching states of bliss when they think of mediation, but there are many ways to meditate. (See my last post) While there are many ways to reach a meditative state, there really are no right or wrong ways to mediate (this would defeat the purpose), only practice and finding ways that feel right for you.

Meditation is associated with many religions, but one does not need to be associated with any particular religion in order to meditate. You might want to investigate different methods, however, to find a form of mediation that feels most comfortable. One common method includes repeating a sound or word, called a mantra. Other forms of meditation involve focusing on a visual image, such as the flame of a candle or a symbol. Other meditative techniques involve breathing and physical movements, such as yoga or other breathing practices.

No matter what the method, the tools used in meditation are there to help users reach a state of mental relaxation. Many mediation techniques help you clear your mind of the constant thoughts that normally run through the mind. In reducing or eliminating these thoughts, one can reach a state of deep thought that is associated with meditation.

There are two primary approaches to meditation, which are concentrative meditation and mindfulness meditation. In concentrative meditation, the practitioner focuses on breath, an object, or a sound (mantra). In mindfulness meditation, the practitioner sits quietly and "observes" everything in the environment, including thoughts, sounds, smells, and more. In this form of meditation, the practitioner practices not reacting to the environment (both internal and external), which can lead to a greater ability to act in a non-reactive way in daily life. Both forms of meditation are useful, and one is no better than the other is. Personal preference will determine which method you choose, and you can always try both.

Both physical and mental benefits can result from meditation. This can include increased heart health through relaxation, lowered cholesterol and blood pressure, and a more youthful feeling. Mental benefits can be an increased sense of well-being, decreased anxiety and depression, and emotional stability. Meditation should not be used as a cure for physical or mental ailments, however, but it can be a powerful supplement. Those with physical or mental health conditions should consult with a health care professional before beginning a mediation practice.

Meditation can be quite physical, such as with some types of yoga, or seemingly passive, such as in mindfulness types of mediation. In addition to the types of meditation, there are different stages as well. Generally speaking, in early stages of meditation, the practitioner is more aware of the practice. He or she may have difficulty concentrating on breath or not reacting to thought. With practice, this moves into a stage where one is much less aware. This is followed by a stage of bliss, which is followed by very deep sense of self and all things followed by an ability to reach a stage of deep stillness.

There are many resources available on meditation. Those new to the practice may opt to take part in a class or guide when beginning. Others may prefer to read up on the various options and practice on his or her own. Visit the local library for books and resources or visit a yoga or spiritual center. Meditation can be an enjoyable experience and provide balance to an otherwise hectic life.

A Quick Way to Relaxation….zzzzz

I wrote this article as part of a hand-out for a 'talk' I was giving, and it's proved useful for many. many people. So on that basis, I hope it will be useful to many more yet. I'll dedicate it to Tara, a young lady (I hope she doesn't mind me calling her that!) from the US that is having a very tough time at the moment..hang on in Tara..nothing is ever permanent..everything changes..no matter who you are or where you're at..

So, anyway..here's the article:

There are many ways in which to induce a tranquil, relaxed state of mind, in which the body is still, and the conscious mind is simply placed aside for a while as the subconscious mind assumes a more dominant role, and allows the therapeutic cognitive processes which are innate in all of us to become active.

This state of mind, known as the hypnotic state is very simply created by;
Focusing one’s attention.
Relaxing the body.
Allowing unnecessary thoughts to enter, then exit, without any rationalisation.

This process can be easily accomplished by the technique that follows. It is known as the “Eye Roll Technique’, and is a very old but powerful way of entering a safe therapeutic hypnotic trance. When in this relaxed state of mind, it is possible to offer oneself any positive suggestions or affirmations in order to bring about the changes which you desire. Examples of positive statements and affirmations are given further on.

THE TECHNIQUE.
If possible, find yourself a quiet place and either sit down or lie down comfortably.
Roll up your eyes, just as if you were trying to look at your eyebrows.
Allow your eyelids to slowly close, and as you do so, take in a deep breath and hold it.

As you slowly exhale, allow your upturned eyes to return to their normal position.

As you finish exhaling, enjoy that gentle, floating sensation that you will experience.
At the same time, imagine your right hand to be very light, like it has a childs helium balloon tied to it making it rise gently. You may be surprised at the ease by which your hand and arm seem to float up by themselves.
This floating hand signal is a signal from your subconscious mind that you are entering a state of deep relaxation.

As you remain in this deeply relaxed, hypnotic state of mind, offer yourself any positive, therapeutic suggestions which you feel will help to bring about the changes you really want or need.
Remain in this state for 10-20 minutes, that’s really all that’s needed.

You can repeat the process as many times a day as you like.

EXITING THE TRANCE STATE.
Roll up your eyes behind your closed eyelids.
Very slowly, allow your eyelids to open, and the eyes to focus.
Make a tight fist with your right hand, and as you do, allow this light floating hand to drift down into a comfortable position. As it comes to rest, release the tight fist and gently stretch those fingers.……FINISHED !!!!

If necessary, the exit from the trance state can be accomplished any time by going through the steps listed above.

It may take you a little time to perfect the technique, especially if you are the ‘on the go all the time’ sort of person. Relaxation comes easier to some people than to others, so always bear this in mind.

Remember, if you want to make positive changes in your life, this relatively short use of your time can pay great dividends in the end. The beauty of it is that once you have practiced and mastered the technique, you will be able to enter the relaxed state much more easily and deeply.

Another point to remember is that everyone is capable of entering into a hypnotic state but just as we are all different, so is the ease with which we enter into a hypnotic trance.
Some will succeed on their first or second attempt, where as others may need many more attempts. It took me a week and a half, and about 15 attempts before I achieved a hypnotic state.

The motto is—PERSEVERE. It may take time, but the rewards are well worth the effort.

As I absolutely LOVE feedback..I like to know how people are doing..please feel free to comment...even if it's bad..

Until next time..thank you for visiting and reading..may the love and joy of the universe always find it's way into your life.

A Simple Meditation For Anyone.

Medical research has found that mediation can produce a number of remarkable physical and psychological benefits to the human body. Meditation:

* lowers blood pressure
* lowers blood cholesterol levels
* enhances the immune system, increasing the body's defense against tumors, virus, flu, colds & other infectious diseases

* helps asthmatics by allowing them to relax
* helps to reduce the intensity of pain
* improves the ability to study
* increases efficiency in problem solving
* increases creative thinking processes
* has a calming effect in times of trouble
* leads to a decrease in drug and alcohol abuse, and;
* decreases insomnia.

The list of benefits is endless, but hopefully this has demonstrated that meditation is a great tool for helping the human body maintain itself. It is also a necessity for communication with your inner guidance.

Anyone can learn to meditate. It is a state of mind achieved by the individual and, in being so, there is no " absolute" technique. It is what works best for you to help you achieve that state of oneness. It does not require any special talent or equipment. What it does require is an intent and desire to learn and the determination and discipline to follow through until you achieve results.

Here is a simple exercise for beginners as well as those that have been meditating for years:

* Allow ten to twenty minutes for this exercise.

* Choose a room where you are least likely to be disturbed. Disconnect the phone if at all possible. You may play some peaceful background music if it helps you to relax. Please choose instrumental only and something that has no words associated with it.

* Seat yourself in a comfortable chair. Place both feet flat on the floor, hands resting palms up in your lap. Sit as straight as possible but be comfortable and, above all, relax.

* Place a lit candle at eye level about two or three feet away from you. Make sure the candle is in a fireproof container and is in a stable position.

* Have the room as dimly lit as possible.

* Concentrate on the flame of the candle. Stare at it with a fixed gaze for several minutes. Keep your attention on the candle, and as thoughts come racing through your mind, gently force your attention back to the flame. Close your eyes and try to "see" the image of the flame. You will probably experience a black spot in the shape of the flame. Keep your attention focused on it, for it will begin to change colors. If you lose the image don't be discouraged, relax, stare at the flame with your eyes open, and then try again.

* The flame image will sometimes seem to move upward in your minds eye. This is perfectly natural. Just open your eyes and focus on the flame again for a few moments. You will eventually be able to control the drifting of the image. It is all part of the process.

* When you feel you have given it an honest effort, open your eyes and experience the sense of restfulness that should be present.

This is just an exercise in learning to let go. If you found yourself forgetting the candle flame and just experiencing calm peaceful blackness, congratulations, you have entered the meditative state.

Try to practice this at least once a day for a week. After using this technique for a while, you may find yourself beginning to naturally slip into a meditative state just after lighting the candle, which is a sure sign that you're progressing well.

As you begin to practice the art of meditation, it is important that you keep a detailed journal or diary about your experiences. You will begin to notice certain symbols, sensations, images, sounds or scents occurring on a regular basis during your meditations. Paying attention to these and making note of them will be the beginnings of your personal record of your own dialogue with your own inner guidance.