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feel, hear and smell.
* Repeat to yourself, “I’m relaxed. I’m safe here.”
* Spend a few minutes enjoying the feeling of deep relaxation.
* Open your eyes when you are ready.
3. Deep breathing
Concentrating on your breathing can increase the flow of oxygen to your body and make you feel more relaxed.
* Sit with a straight, relaxed back.
* Place your feet on the floor if you are in a chair.
* Cross your legs if you are sitting on the floor.
* Breathe normally.
* Pay close attention to your breath as it exits and enters the body.
* Do a few, slow, deep breathes (breathing with your lower belly instead of your chest).
* Inhale for five counts and exhale for five counts.
* Don’t try to control your thoughts.
* If your mind wanders, gently bring it back to the breath.
* Spend a few minutes concentrating on each breath until you are completely relaxed.
4. Stretching
Relieve stress by doing simple stretch exercises. They get your blood flowing and improve circulation, while increasing flexibility and relieving muscle tension.
* Sit on a straight-backed chair.
* Hold a belt (or rolled up towel) in your right hand.
* Inhale and extend your right arm upwards, letting the belt dangle behind you.
* Exhale and bend your right arm at the elbow.
* Push your left shoulder back as you reach around to grasp the end of the belt with your left hand.
* Move your hands closer together while holding the strap and keeping your spine straight.
* Don’t bend your head and neck forward.
* Take five breaths.
* Switch arms and repeat on the other side. 🙂