Relaxation Training to Reduce Stress

I just created a new video that guides you through a deep relaxation training,

it’s short, beginning at 2:12 on video so its about 7 min in length.  It’s using “progressive muscle relaxation” exercise.

How does this reduce stress?

This relaxation technique is used in many settings to help patients reduce stress, in yoga classes on so on.  It works because its focus is on the body which is easier to reduce stress in than working directly on the mind with meditation.   When one is feeling stress even if its stressful thoughts and mental stress there is always a related physical component.  The body and mind are linked and interdependent. Your shoulders will be tight, your breathing less deep; so working with the body is an easy way to reduce stress.  So try this sample. It’s basic principal is to tense and then release the muscles systematically in the entire body.

How often to practice a relaxation exercise?

In order for it to really make a difference in your stress level-practice a minimum of 3x’s a week.  Daily would be best-perhaps before bed.

If you like it- I lead a full guided deep relaxation that leads to an even deeper state of relaxation and in my Zen of Crisis kit (I’m rebooting this currently.)  It’s an instant audio download where you listen and practice.  There 3 techniques are taught including deep yogic breath (abdominal breath) and walking meditation.  The latter is great if you are too stressed to just sit down or lay down.  If you are very stressed I would recommend trying the audio “walking meditation,” first then you could progress to doing this guided relaxation.

Namaste, Kala