Best Ways to Relax When There's No Time to Unwind
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When stress strikes during a busy day, here are fast, easy ways to unwind...
Tense and release your muscles. Ever notice how a rigorous workout leaves you feeling relaxed? Here's a
shortcut to attain the same state...
Exercises: Make a fist. Hold the tension in your fist for five seconds. Then slowly release it. Notice the
sensations. Try straightening your arm at the elbow. Feel the tightness throughout the muscles. Then slowly
bend your arm and release the tension. Curl the toes of one foot and stretch them... clench your jaw and then
relax it slowly... or open your mouth as far as you can, hold it there, and release.
Breathe deeply. Pull in your abdominal muscles to force air out of your lungs. Then relax and breathe in until
your lungs are completely filled. Let the air out slowly, and get into a rhythm of smooth breathing. Do this every
hour for about five to 10 minutes at a time and whenever you feel tension arising.
Change the way you talk to yourself. When we regret our actions, we agonize over them, imagining how we
might have done things differently and increasing our stress.
Ban words of regret, such as "should" and "if only," when you find yourself reviewing your behavior. This will
force you to focus on better actions to take next time.
Think opposite thoughts. When you hold onto feelings of anger, hatred or disappointment, you stir up other
negative feelings. Let go of such feelings by concentrating on thoughts of compassion and understanding.
Exercise: Sit quietly and take a few breaths. Close your eyes, and think about your negative feelings and at
whom or what they are directed. Then think about the opposite feeling. You'll relax almost instantly.
