I am stressed, what can I do for relaxation?

[Salamanda]

anyone recommend any relaxation techniques or meditation websites that are good

[smudge]

'Scuse haste, but i'm in a real hurry.

Until you find some advice or websites on relaxation - you could lie on your bed with the lights out, hands down by your side & do some deep breathing. Inhale slowly but deeply, hold your breath for a few seconds, then exhale slowly & deeply. It's one of the techniques we do in Yoga & it's wonderful for relieving stress.

Hope it works for you in the meantime.

[Lonnie]

As smudge has said, deep breathing, in through the nose, out through the mouth, I don't do Yoga, but its something we learned in the forces, and it takes a fair bit of practice to get used to it, it also helps with stopping you losing your temper.

[sammd]

Try Paul Mckenna relaxation CDs (on ebay).

[Se7en]

I have a relaxation tape somewhere which gets yu 2 stress parts of your dody in turn toe to face. It seems top be canny, releases the tension.

[amazingtoxic]

It might sound really strange but one of the best was to reduce stress and relax is to exercise. It releases a lot of chemicals in the body that make you feel good, not only that but it's healthy too. Try running, walking, swimming or some sports and then come home put a relaxing song and lie with the lights off, breath in and out slowly thinking of a relaxing place. It works wonders

[WendyS]

Exercise does help and walking, swimming, a workout down the gym, or just lying on your carpet at home doing some stetch exerise to relax your tense muscles will help you unwind. Lying flat on your back in quiet dark room, doing deep breathing will also help to calm you.

If your stress is caused by trying to cram too much activity into your day, sit down quietly and write a list of activities to be achieved & how you can organise your routines more effectively, such as making sandwiches for lunch the night before and putting them in the fridge, getting clothes ready the previous night, etc.

[brawburd]

Another option is to get yourself a guided meditation cd. And try not to fall asleep like I normally do!

Check out Amazon because lots of the adverts have sound clips - you need to get one you will feel comfortable with. If you don't want to buy I'm sure your library will either have something or order it in.

My personal favourite is Tony Scott's Music for Zen Meditation.

Or a different type of music from Icaros - couple of the songs at bottom of this page :

http://www.releasethereality.com/elmundomagico

and also a link for buying the CD if it appeals.

I find the music and singing very relaxing. It may be that you get the same benefits from listening to your own favourite tracks in a peaceful undisturbed atmosphere while concentrating on your breathing and clearing your mind.