Relaxation

When talking about relaxation, this is sometimes mistaken for recreation, e.g. sitting on a chair and watching TV, or reading a book, etc. Conscious relaxation is about re-learning how to reduce stress and tension in our bodies in order to cope with life's daily pressures, and thus enhance our health and well-being.

There are several good reasons why it makes sense to relax:

It can be an effective way of coping with stress and the disorders it causes.

It can prevent or alleviate aches and pains caused by inappropriate muscle tension.

It can help avoid unnecessary fatigue.

It can raise the threshold of tolerance to pain.

It gives the body's own natural healing rhythms a chance to function and increases our sense of well-being.

It re-charges and revitalises us. Research has shown that relaxation enables the immune system to function better.

It can enrich personal relationships because it is easier to get on with people when you are relaxed.

How do we go about learning to relax?

There are many different methods of relaxation and you will have to experiment with what suits you personally.

It is possible to be taught in a class, or, if you are unable to do that, you can borrow/buy tapes that will teach you how to do it on your own.

We have a number of books and tapes in our library that may be of help!

It is important to emphasise that conscious relaxation takes practice and you will need to do it regularly in order to achieve beneficial results.