It’s certainly fair to say that some people find managing stress and anxiety a lot easier than others. If you are someone who finds it particularly difficult to relax, there are various techniques you can use to calm the mind and reduce the muscle tension that anxiety can cause. If however, the stress you are experiencing persists, it’s certainly worth considering contacting a professional physiotherapist to help.
With this in mind, here are some useful techniques to help you relax.
This may sound painfully obvious and no doubt you’ve heard it hundreds of times but breathing is an integral relaxation technique. If you are able to control your breathing through various exercises such as deep breathing, this will support the body in taking in more oxygen. This in turn helps you to relieve anxiety, slow down your heart rate as well as stabilise your blood pressure.
There are several kinds of meditation recommended for stress reduction deep breathing. Various types of meditation involve reciting mantras, maintaining specific postures and carrying out breathing exercises which will encourage body awareness and a feeling of calm.
One of the obvious benefits of massage is that it creates a sense of relaxation and calm. This happens because the massage encourages the body to release endorphins, these are the brain chemicals (neurotransmitters) that produce a feeling of wellbeing. Your levels of stress hormones, such as adrenalin, cortisol and norepinephrine, are also lowered during a relaxation massage.
There are several types of meditation which are recommended for relaxation but Hatha yoga is a specifically relaxing type of yoga that involves gentle movement and deep breathing. This popular practice also combines postures with breathing exercises. Not only does yoga help to relax the mind, but it also improves your flexibility, muscle tone and balances the systems within your body.
These are two similar practices that involve using specific gentle movements. These distinct movements incorporate slow motions with controlled breathing and meditation. They’re perfect for light exercise, improving circulation and improving your sense of balance, calm and wellbeing.
If one relaxation technique doesn’t feel right for you, it’s worth exploring other options and if stress and anxiety persist, consult your GP to discuss other options.
To begin your relaxation journey, contact the team at Essex Physiotherapy Clinic.
We are trained and qualified experts in physiotherapy for sports injuries as well as stress management as well as relaxation therapy. We’d be happy to help with any enquiries you have.
