Stress Management and Relaxation
This article describes some basic relaxation techniques that can help you manage stress.
In this article, you will find:
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Relaxation Techniques| Technique | Description | Disadvantages | Cost/Availability |
| Massage | Someone rubs and soothes your muscles, back, neck, and head | Beware Of A masseuse who makes you uncomfortable | High cost, appointment usually needed |
| Meditation | Learning to put your mind in a focused but relaxed state | Distractions, feeling too pressured to meditate; this is not for everyone | Free, portable |
| Yoga | Spiritual deep breathing, stretching, and holding strengthening postures | Uncomfortable postures, pain with activity, pushing yourself too far | Medium cost; at-home tapes inexpensive; need small space and comfortable clothing although mini-yoga moves can be done anywhere |
| Deep breathing | Using mantras or counting to breathe in good and exhale bad thoughts or simply relax the body and mind rhythmically | Holding your breath too long, becoming light-headed | Free, portable |
| Conversation with a friend or understanding family member | Discussing what makes you stressed or simply being with someone who makes you feel happy | Negative comments, questions | Free, can be done by phone anywhere |
| Visualization | Picturing a relaxing scene such as a beach | Letting other thoughts in that are not relaxing or stressful | Free, portable, effective |
| Water therapy | Floating, swimming, taking a bath | Uncomfortable temperatures | Inconvenient but can be inexpensive |
| A nap | A catnap is less than 30 minutes | Oversleeping can ruin your sleep schedule | Free, sometimes inconvenient |
| Watching a movie/ TV | Laughter or escape can be very relaxing | Stressful commercials, other people, subject change to stressful topic | Inexpensive, relatively easy |
| Hobbies | Cooking, painting, gardening, or whatever makes you feel relaxed | Getting too caught up in perfectionism | You should make this inexpensive and easy! |
| Spending time with a pet | Studies show petting an animal reduces blood pressure | A disagreeable animal | Pets are a time and financial commitment |