Posts
Women are often so busy
taking care of everyone else's needs that they forget to take time
out for themselves. In order to preserve their sanity and get the
most out of life, women need to find a relaxation technique that
works for them. Since many women find solace in nature, the best
relaxation techniques are those that incorporate a love for the
outdoors with the need to slow down and unwind.
Yoga is a very
popular relaxation technique, and with good reason. In addition to
calming the mind, the poses and breathing techniques help tone
muscle, improve air flow and strengthen your sense of balance. There
are several kinds of yoga that serve different purposes, but the
forms best known for stress relief are Satyananda (also called
“traditional” yoga) and Kundalini. The
slow and gentle movements associated with Satyananda
yoga are perfect for beginners and those with physical limitation.
Kundalini yoga
combines physical activity with meditation and chanting mantras
(short, meaningful phrases), making it a spiritual experience for
many people.
The
fact that yoga does not require any equipment aside from a soft, flat
surface makes it much easier to practice in an area that aids in
relaxation.
Tai chi is a
physical relaxation technique with its roots in martial arts. The
slow, steady movements are meant to vary the pressure felt by
different parts of the body, allowing for improved blood flow and
release of stress. A big part of the relaxation comes in focusing
your mind on the movements as opposed to other things that may be
going on in your life. It's a great low-impact workout that works for
people of all ages and ability levels. Although it can be done on
your own, it's a good idea to start off by taking a class that may be
offered at your local community center.. Since it too requires no
equipment, it is easy to adapt to an outdoor setting.
Meditation is
something that can be done in a variety of settings. The idea is to
clear your mind and focus only on the present moment, which is easier
for some to do when they are outside and away from distractions such
as television or other people. Go off by yourself and find a quiet
place. Sit or lie down in a comfortable position and focus
only on what is going on at the time. Some people find it helpful to
use mantras; others focus on the sounds of the world around them,
such as the ocean or rustling of leaves; still others find a piece of
music that creates a feeling of “calm”. If
you can't seem to sit still, sometimes a walk on the beach or through
a park can help. Whatever
works for you is fine, as long as it involves shutting out other
thoughts and focusing on the present moment.
Some people start off
meditating for 5-10 minutes a day and work up from there, although
“mini-meditations” may be easier to fit into a hectic schedule.
Simply take a short break to clear your head. The idea is to make
meditating a habit that helps you unwind and let go of the tensions
of daily life.
No comments:
Post a Comment