Guest Author - Carolyn Chambers Clark, RN, EdD

Relaxation Techniques are handy ways to relax your body, mind and spirit. Several studies have shown the positive effects of Relaxation Techniques on health and wellness. Use the following Relaxation Techniques to help you learn to relax your body, mind and spirit.


Relaxation Technique #1: Relax Your Body to Relax Your Mind and Spirit

Lie flat on your back in a quiet and comfortable spot. Close your eyes and concentrate on your feet. Deeply relax your feet. Once your feet feel relaxed, move the relaxation up your legs. Work in this way until you reach the top of your head and your full body is relaxed. For additional relaxation, the next time you exhale, send a wave of relaxation throughout your body.

Relaxation Technique #2: Relax Your Breathing to Relax Your Body, Mind and Spirit

Sit or lie in a comfortable position in a quiet place. Close your eyes and focus on your breathing. Gently suggest your breathing move more to your center, toward your abdomen. As you breathe in, say "one" to yourself. As you breathe out, say "two." (Alternative words are "peace," "joy," "comfort," "safe" or "relax.") Try different words until you find something that helps you relax.

Relaxation Technique #3: Use Imagery to Relax Your Body Mind and Spirit

Sit in a comfortable chair or lie on a bed or floor mat in a comfortable position, eyes closed. Let yourself sink into the surface beneath you. Imagine yourself in a very calming and relaxing place---perhaps lying in the sun at the beach or in a beautiful meadow of flowers, or by a cool spring in the mountains. Smell the smells of that calming and relaxing place. Hear the sounds of that peaceful and relaxing place. Feel the sensations of that calming and relaxing place.

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For more information, click on my other books below...they cover many topics and are listed in the following order: assertiveness, menopause, weight loss, self-care for 20 chronic conditions, integrating complementary procedures into traditional health care, encyclopedia of complementary health care practice, holistic nursing approaches to chronic conditions, group leadership, creating a climate for power learning, health & wellness promotion in communities, being a wellness practitioner