How to Relax

Relaxation is one of the keys to a successful, long happy life. Yet, many of us do not know how to relax. We get caught up in the stresses of the day and forget we owe it to our bodies to unwind properly.
If we continue on the path we are taking, we will one day regret how we treated ourselves. Without stress relief we begin looking aged earlier in life, our bodies start to shut down and we can even die a young death.
So learn now how to detox the stresses of life and thrive well into your 90's and beyond. Stress management is the key.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. 
    
   Enjoy a pet.

   Learn to laugh. Laughter is good for the soul, they say, but laughter is also great for de-stressing your life. Call a friend who likes to share a laugh with you. Watch a good comedy movie or television show. Watch your pet play and clean himself. Find joy in whatever you do. Laughter actually relaxes your muscles and brings more oxygen into your bloodstream.

2. 
    
   Relax 5 minutes undisturbed.

   Each evening, sit in a quiet room without distractions. Close your eyes. Think of a time in your life when you were happy and relaxed. Close out all the stresses of your life during this time. Sit calmly for 5 minutes. Relax your body. I always start with my shoulders. Tighten them up and then let it all go. You can really feel the relaxation when you do this. If you need to do this with your entire body, section by section. The point here is just to feel relaxed head to toe.

3. 
    
   Excerise relaxes the body and the mind.

   Lastly, work up a sweat. This may sound funny after all the talk of relaxing but working out can cause a total relaxation of mind and body when you are through. Try it. Exercise is addictive.

Tips & Warnings

• Make a pact with your family that if they give you 5 uninterrupted minutes each night, you will do something special for them on the weekend
• WARNING! All graphics contained in this article are protected by law. Do not copy or reproduce.

[nikki1]

on 7/11/2009 Great article.. high-5 my friend.

[yourmamasaidwha]

on 4/4/2009 thanks for the great share! i'm always looking for more ways to relax...laughing's great, love to do it! one of natures best ways to relax, huh?

[Meri]

on 3/14/2009 Laughter is a great stress reliever! Great advice.

[langleycornwell]

on 3/13/2009 Excellent reminder, thanks for the relaxation article. 5*s and a recommend - I needed to read these tips today.

[Mitestarossa]

on 3/7/2009 Great. I really need these tips today.