We all get to a stage where we've just had it. We need a break. Well if a holiday is out of the question, try these relaxation techniques to revitalize your body and mind.
Meditation
Join a local meditation group or buy one of the many instructional CD's on the market. Be sure to meditate in an environment which is comfortable and with minimal noise and distractions. You may find yourself falling asleep the first few times you try this but it is a great way of relaxing and also provides you with greater concentration skills.
A simple way of relaxing the mind with minimal expense or training is with a method called Progressive Muscle Relaxation. Start by lying on the floor, on your back with your hands by your side, and your eyes closed. Imagine you are at the most relaxing place you could imagine, it may include a tropical island, waterfalls, whatever you find relaxing. Whilst you are thinking about the sight, smell, and sounds of your surrounding take 20 long, deep breathes. Once you've reached 20 you will be ready to begin the muscle relaxation. Start at the toes by tightening (contracting) the muscles in the toes for 5 seconds then relax them. As you relax them feel the tension sink from those muscles and escape the body into the ground. Work your way slowly through the body going to the feet, calves, upper thigh, abdominals, hands, arms, chest, shoulders, neck, and then the face. Each time feeling the body sink deeper into the floor as the tension is released from your muscles. Finish with 10 more deep breathes.
Massage
Massage is a great way to promote recovery because it increases blood flow deep into the muscles, and is really relaxing! Swedish massage is generally the lightest form but some people really like a deep tissue massage. Be sure to only consult a suitably qualified and registered masseur.
Hot/Cold Showers
Never do this if you are suffering from a virus or cold or if you have a recent soft tissue injury. It involves alternating the water temperature between hot and cold for set periods.
Start by having a shower with the water at the usual temperature and clean your skin with soap. The temperature is then alternated between hot (35-38°C) for 1-2 minutes, then cold (10-16°C) for 10-30 seconds. Repeat this 3 times then finish with a shower at normal temperature. Always drink plenty of water when you get out.
Hot/Cold Spa
Guidelines are the same as for the Hot/Cold Showers but 3-4 minutes is spent in the spa and 30-60 seconds is spent in the cold bath.
Rest Days
If you exercise every other day of the week do nothing on this day. Sunday's are great for this!
Sleep
Sleep is often what people do when they have finished everything else for that day but it must become a higher priority. A lack of sleep makes people irrational, moody, and low on energy. Try to get 7-9 hours sleep per night. To ensure a great night sleep try to avoid too much alcohol, caffeine, nicotine and high protein meals.
Cross Training
Cross Training is participating in an activity which is different to your normal training regime. Indoor rock-climbing, cycling, rowing, basketball, or in-line skating are just a few examples. The only requirement is that the intensity must be light.
Music
Just kick back, relax, and listen to any music that you enjoy. You will be surprised at how mentally refreshing this can be!
Movies
Go and watch a new movie at the cinema or hire out one of your favourites from the video store. Once again, a great way to relieve stress and relax mentally!
Ray Kelly has helped thousand's of people achieve their weight loss goals. He is an Exercise Scientist with 15 years experience in the Health and Fitness industry. Sign up for his free 7 Day Weight Loss Course at Weight Loss, Relaxation, and Heart Disease Tips
I'd like to share a little secret about relaxation techniques... Read More
It is impossible to overstate the importance of daily meditation.... Read More
The following exercise program has been designed to get the... Read More
Part OneChoose a nature scene. For instance scenery of mountain,... Read More
I often meet people who say things like, "I've been... Read More
What are you likely to gain from meditating?Simple:? It improves... Read More
Breathing in, I calm my body. Breathing out, I smile.... Read More
Meditation has been around for many thousands of years. It... Read More
ZZzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzHow many times have you zoned out in front of... Read More
The purpose of this article is to provide information on... Read More
The problem with meditation is attachment.We get in the habit... Read More
Everyone's mind needs a little downtime. We all need time... Read More
Now that you're comfortable working with your breath it's time... Read More
Personally I belief that it is possible for anyone to... Read More
Meditation is a form of relaxing and a method to... Read More
Helping the broadest range of people attain enlightenment through meditation... Read More
Each person is unique and it is that individuality that... Read More
Meditation is healthy, safe and affordable. In fact it's free.... Read More
People are often so discouraged about the results of their... Read More
Before I started meditating several years ago with CDs using... Read More
Chances are, if you are on a quest for self-improvement,... Read More
Most of us have heard the story of the centipede... Read More
As a co-active coach, one of the underlying principles that... Read More
Peace can mean quiet, tranquility, serenity, peace of mind, mental... Read More
Meditation is often misunderstood by those who do not practice... Read More
If you're someone who loves to meditate (or wants to... Read More
I've counseled many people from every background and led workshops... Read More
Instant Past Life Regression - No Trance RequiredI was in... Read More
Chances are, if you are on a quest for self-improvement,... Read More
Maybe learning to meditate intimidates you, and in any case... Read More
Try Not To Force Things Too MuchOften, when meditating, we... Read More
It's pretty obvious that the ancient Druids used several forms... Read More
Why Should You Meditate?What if you could close your eyes,... Read More
The problem with meditation is attachment.We get in the habit... Read More
We all get to a stage where we've just had... Read More
These are two very powerful tools for self-improvement, but how... Read More
Transformational Counseling is about assisting others to transform their life.... Read More
Is reality a projection from within the mind, or is... Read More
Hello, sample some of the arguments below. But mind you,... Read More
When you are unhappy what do you do? Do you... Read More
Is Meditation Too Much Time And Trouble?If you haven't meditated... Read More
Meditation students often come to me and ask what they... Read More
Now that you're comfortable working with your breath it's time... Read More
What are you likely to gain from meditating?Simple:? It improves... Read More
Hypnosis, meditation and visualization are three similar processes for accessing... Read More
To put it simply, the act of meditation involves quieting... Read More
Helping the broadest range of people attain enlightenment through meditation... Read More
You have the ability to create your own mind-set. Whether... Read More
Throughout history, meditation has been an integral part of many... Read More
White noise is: A sound containing a blend of all... Read More
|