PsychSense: Sensible Psychological Solutions

Did you know that there are at at least four major relaxation techniques to reduce stress. Most people have a particular favorite. I often think that when people tell me they have not had success with relaxation techniques it is because they have not found the one that is right for them! We all respond differently to suggestion.

I personally have tried all 4 before I decided which one is best for me. Let me tell you about them.

First they all begin with getting in a comfortable quiet position and paying attention to your breathing. After that you may choose from one of the following types. Some people use recordings to help them, others just do it in with their imaginations.

• Progressive relaxation

With this relaxation technique you start at the top of your head and tense and relax your muscle groups, one group at a time. For instance start with your scalp, tense tightly and hold for a few sessions, and then let go and relax. You do this moving down you body working with each muscle group. A lot of people like this because it is more active. It is not my favorite.

• Meditation

There are a number of different types of meditation. TM (transcendental meditation) is a popular one. In TM, you use a personal “mantra”.  This type of meditation can be done by picking a word known only you. You concentrate on this word saying it over and over in their mind. The word you pick really doesn’t matter. Pick a word that has special meaning for you.

• Autogenic Training

This is repeated concentration and suggestions of sensations of heaviness and warmth in the body. Like progressive relaxation you focus on one section of the body at a time and think of it and feel it as heavy and warm. You do this over you entire body. I enjoy this type of relaxation technique.

• Visualization

This is my favorite and there are many different forms of this. I like to use a CD as I don’t have a great imagination. You can do this yourself by concentrating on a favorite place, the sounds, the smells the view etc. There are some great recorded ones that will take you on a journey in your mind. You can find them to all your favorite places, the forest, the beach the mountains.

Try them all and see what works best for you. I am making an MP3 recording with general instructions and 5 minute examples of each for only $4.99. This is a great way of tasting all of the types without spending $15.00 on each CD. This is coming soon, get on my opt in list so you will be notified as soon as it is available.