From politics to pandemics and everything else that’s uncertain in the world, how can we, as the witnessing American public, follow changes with grace and not let them stress us out? Like a storm on a body of water, there will be waves and a lot of churning. The mud at the bottom will make things murky, but in the end, the storm will end and the water will clear.

Person relaxation techniques will help you navigate the next year until things settle down.

According to the Mayo Clinic, practicing relaxation techniques can reduce stress symptoms by:

• Slowing your heart rate

• Lowering blood pressure

• Slowing your breathing rate

• Reducing activity of stress hormones

• Increasing blood flow to major muscles

• Reducing muscle tension and chronic pain

• Improving concentration and mood

• Lowering fatigue

• Reducing anger and frustration

• Boosting confidence to handle problems

To get the most benefit, use relaxation techniques along with other positive coping methods, such as thinking positively, finding humor, problem-solving, managing time, exercising, getting enough sleep, and reaching out to supportive family and friends.

Easy relaxation techniques include;

• Deep breathing

• Hypnosis

• Massage

• Meditation

• Tai chi

• Yoga

• Biofeedback

• Music and art therapy

As you learn relaxation techniques, you’ll become more aware of muscle tension and other physical sensations of stress. Once you know what the stress response feels like, you can make a conscious effort to practice a relaxation technique the moment you start to feel stress symptoms. This can prevent stress from spiraling out of control.

Remember that relaxation techniques are skills. As with any skill, your ability to relax improves with practice. Be patient with yourself. Don’t let your effort to practice relaxation techniques become yet another stressor.

If one relaxation technique doesn’t work for you, try another. If none of your efforts at stress reduction seems to work, talk to your doctor about other options.

Broad Street can help. We provide personal home care assistants who can help manage overall healthcare and awareness. Through our vast professional network we can help you find the right resources and doctors to help answer questions or identify areas of concern.

For more information on our home care services, please call 847.728.0134.