| In the past when I was going through stressful | | | | Yoga movements. This ancient technique involves |
| situations, my palms would sweat, my heart | | | | the mind and body so completely that you relax, |
| would race, my neck got tight and my stomach | | | | stretch and develop flexibility all at the same time. |
| would hurt. For a while I could make these | | | | You can get DVDs and books to help you with |
| symptoms go away but after a while I found | | | | the moves at home but rather than practice |
| myself getting more aggravated and unable to | | | | constantly by yourself alone, I would suggest |
| sleep. | | | | scheduling a Yoga class at least twice a week and |
| Soon after I wasn't able to handle the stress and | | | | pre-pay. That will motivate you to get out of the |
| I found myself tired and exhausted, barely able to | | | | house or the office and get into an environment |
| navigate through my life on a daily basis. I was on | | | | better suited for the relaxation of practicing Yoga. |
| stress overload. | | | | Tai Chi - I have been practicing tai Chi for many |
| Maybe you've felt like I did, so you decide to go | | | | years. Tai chi is an ancient Chinese martial art that |
| to your doctor. What happens? Your doctor tells | | | | combines patterns of slow movements with deep |
| you that you need to relax. Relax? You don't | | | | breathing. In addition to helping you relax, Tai Chi |
| have time to relax, but you don't have time for a | | | | improves your balance and your cardiovascular |
| heart attack either. So you ask, "How can I learn | | | | system. Many martial arts schools provide a Tai |
| to relax?" The doctor tells you to try relaxation | | | | Chi class as part of their curriculum. |
| training. So what is relaxation training? | | | | Qigong (Chi Kung) - I was introduces to Qigong |
| Well, relaxation training is made up of techniques | | | | over 20 years ago. Much slower paced than Tai |
| you can learn and practice on your own. Once | | | | Chi, Qigong also belongs to the Chinese martial |
| you learn them you can practice them anywhere. | | | | arts. Using these very simple breathing and |
| Here are some things that can help you learn to | | | | movement exercises, people all over the world |
| relax and stay calm. | | | | have experienced a reduction in stress levels while |
| Psychotherapy - Often doctors will refer you to a | | | | improving their overall health. |
| psychologist or mental health counselor. This | | | | Art or Photography - You don't have to know |
| doesn't mean that you're "mentally ill." These | | | | anything about either of these to enjoy them. |
| professionals can help you get your stress and | | | | Forget perfectionism and just put some paint on |
| mood under control. | | | | a canvas or shoot some pictures. Go outdoors to |
| Mental health professionals are also trained to | | | | a tranquil park or garden to practice your craft. |
| teach you visualization, stress inoculation and other | | | | You aren't trying to become proficient - just |
| techniques that help you manage your stress. | | | | enjoy what you create. The time spent studying |
| These are also therapies that you might be able | | | | your subjects and looking at the results is what |
| to learn on your own using DVD and CD tutorials. | | | | counts. Being creative, especially if this is |
| Hypnosis - Since hypnosis is one of my specialties | | | | completely different than your usual work, can be |
| I must admit I am prejudice toward its use. In | | | | highly relaxing. |
| my opinion, the reason you should go to a | | | | Act like a kid - this is one of my favorites and |
| hypnotist is to learn how to relax yourself using | | | | also gets me the most looks. Choose a day twice |
| self-hypnosis. And don't be worried about all the | | | | a month when you act like a kid. Go to the park |
| urban legends surrounding hypnosis. Contrary to | | | | and swing. Draw on the driveway with colored |
| false beliefs, you won't suddenly quack like a duck | | | | chalk. Watch funny movies in your pajamas or go |
| or howl at the moon. Today these types of | | | | to a kid's matinee. |
| techniques are often used by medical and | | | | Do something that is carefree and just plain fun. |
| psychological professionals for stress and pain | | | | Once your stress level is down, keep up your |
| management. For most people you'll learn all you | | | | relaxation training or you'll be back in the same |
| need to know within a few sessions to be able to | | | | overload situation again. It may sound silly, but |
| do this on your own. | | | | relaxing is something many people have to learn |
| Yoga - Take a series of classes to learn the basic | | | | because it doesn't come easily to them. |