Relaxation Therapy involves a combination of deep relaxation sessions, strategies and techniques that take the body out of the ‘fight or flight’ response to create balance and wellbeing. Relaxation techniques have not only been shown to help relieve symptoms of depression, but also reduce stress and boost feelings of joy and happiness.

The body’s natural relaxation response is a powerful antidote to stress. You can counteract its negative effects by learning how to evoke the relaxation response, a state of deep rest that brings your system back into balance: deepening your breathing, reducing stress hormones, slowing down your heart rate and blood pressure, and relaxing your muscles.

In addition to its calming physical effects, research shows that the relaxation response also increases energy and focus, combats illness, relieves aches and pains, heightens problem-solving abilities, and boosts motivation and productivity. Best of all – with a little practice – anyone can reap these benefits.

Starting a relaxation practice

Rapid Health uses a variety of relaxation techniques to help you achieve the relaxation response. Those whose stress-busting benefits have been widely studied include deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, meditation and visualization. Deep relaxation guided meditations and hypnosis deepen your ability to automatically go into a deep restful state.

RAP Relaxation Procedure

With its focus on full, cleansing breaths and easy to apply stress release points to tap, you can be rapping your way into a relaxation stream…feeling the cool water on your bare feet. Relaxation imagery is part of the procedure. It’s easy to learn, can be practiced almost anywhere, and provides a quick way to get your stress levels in check. The Rapid Acupressure Procedure is a good way to begin a relaxation session to quieten an anxious mind. All you really need is a few minutes and a place to calm and refresh.

Learning the basics of these relaxation techniques is simple. You are recommended to set aside as little as 10 to 20 minutes a day for your relaxation practice. If you’d like to get even more stress relief, aim for 30 minutes to an hour. You may wish to down load the FREE REFRESH YOUR MIND recording to get started.

Getting the most out of your relaxation

Set aside time in your daily schedule. The best way to start and maintain a relaxation practice is by incorporating it into your daily routine. Schedule a set time either once or twice a day for your practice. You may find that it’s easier to stick with your practice if you do it first thing in the morning, before other tasks and responsibilities get in the way.

Top Ten Stressful Life Events

1. Spouse’s death
2. Divorce
3. Marriage separation
4. Jail term
5. Death of a close relative
6. Injury or illness
7. Marriage
8. Fired from job
9. Marriage reconciliation
10. Retirement

Source: Holmes-Rahe Life Stress Inventory

Go easy on yourself. Many stressed people are perfectionists, holding themselves to impossibly high standards and then beating themselves up when they fail to meet them. Battle this source of self-imposed stress by challenging your negative ways of thinking.

Self-help strategies for chronic worriers
In addition to learning RAP techniques you can reduce your anxiety levels by challenging the irrational beliefs, pessimistic attitudes, and rigid mental habits that trigger and sustain worry.

To learn more about how you can help yourself overcome an anxious outlook, call a Rapid Health Professional to ask which treatment would be most suitable.

Rapid Health: 01843 846947 or email info@rapid-health.org