RELAXATION

Relaxation means to calm down both physically and mentally and to do

that, you need to shed the worries and stresses of the day and let them go. The
Oxford English Dictionary defines relaxation in lots of
different ways, including ‘recreation and rest’ and ‘the state
of being free from tension and anxiety’. It also describes
relaxation as “the restoration of equilibrium following
disturbance”.

Practicing ‘relaxation’ is paramount to managing stress. When

we relax, the flow of blood increases around our body giving us more energy. It
helps us to have a calmer and clearer mind which aids positive thinking,
concentration, memory and decision making. Relaxation slows our heart rate,
reduces our blood pressure and relieves tension. It also aids digestion as we
absorb essential nutrients more efficiently when relaxed, which helps to fight
off disease and infection.

There are lots of physical and emotional benefits to relaxation including the
following:

 Decreased heart rate and respiration rate

 Decrease in anxiety and insomnia
 Relaxed muscles
 A decrease in blood pressure
 A decrease in pain associated
with long-term conditions
 Increased energy
 An increased ability to cope in
different situations
 A feeling of calmness, which has a
positive effect in terms of inter-personal relationships and work stress