Relaxation
Relaxation refers to the state of body and mind that is free from tension, stress and anxiety. Relaxation is an essential part of self-care, helping you look after your well-being when you’re feeling stressed or busy. On this page, we'll explore a number of relaxation techniques and discover how relaxation therapies such as hypnotherapy and self-hypnosis can help.
Understanding relaxation: What it is and why it matters
Everyone is different and will have preferred methods of relaxing in their day-to-day lives. Whilst there are typical activities associated with relaxation, such as taking a bath, listening to music, reading a book, or watching a film, these acts often only relax our bodies. True relaxation will also help to ease your mind, switching off from the external noises in your life.
For some, relaxation can be achieved through performing specific exercises and techniques. For others, relaxation therapies and complementary therapies such as hypnotherapy prove to be more effective.
When we relax, we are decreasing the effects stress is having on us in body and mind. By ensuring we relax, we find ways to cope with everyday stress, long and short-term stress, as well as health-related issues. When you reach an actual state of true relaxation, it may feel like everything slows down, you may feel calmer, and you no longer feel stressed.
Why is relaxation important?
Relaxation is more important than you might realise. Healthy living is a matter of balance. Relaxation can play a key part in the balancing process, alongside what we eat, how much physical activity we do, and how we handle stress.
We face constant demands, not only from work but also from our families and social lives - and this affects our stress levels on a major scale. Stress affects us all in different ways, and many of us don’t even realise how stressed we actually are; we often become accustomed to being tense, so we think of it as normal.
But, feeling stressed or tense for prolonged periods can have a negative effect on our overall well-being. Research studying the relationship between stress and health shows that stress not only affects our mood but can also lead to health implications. This includes digestive problems, bowel conditions and high blood pressure. It is also thought to lower our immunity and slow our body’s recovery from major traumas.
So while you may not think you’re overly stressed, it's important to watch for the signs of excessive levels of tension and stress.
Signs and symptoms of stress
- tense muscles
- waking up tired
- difficulty sleeping, persistent tiredness or exhaustion
- grinding your teeth
- aches and pains
- feeling neglected or lonely
- heart racing
- sense of rush, panic or lack of time
- growing number of minor ailments such as headaches or stomach upsets
- ‘stomach in knots’ sensation
- loss of appetite
- difficulty thinking straight or concentrating
- feeling angry, impatient, irritable, or wound up
- inability to enjoy yourself, or loss of interest in life
- feeling anxious, nervous, or afraid
Relaxation techniques are thought to be key to restoring or maintaining a healthy body and mind. Some relaxation exercises are designed to help slow down your breathing and heart rate, which can help to lower blood pressure and muscle tension. Relaxation can also help you to gain control of your worries and can help you to learn other skills, such as mindfulness.
Is hypnosis good for relaxation?
Hypnosis can be a great way of managing stress and promoting relaxation. Using hypnosis with a qualified, experienced hypnotherapist, or as part of self-hypnosis, you can enter a deep state of relaxation where your mind will be more open to positive suggestions and changes. This can provide a great opportunity to promote healthier ways of dealing with stress, as well as instil relaxation-promoting responses.
Relaxation therapy
For some, relaxation techniques are not enough to reach a state of emotional and physical calm. Certain therapies are considered an effective alternative as they produce states of deep relaxation. It can help those who have ongoing issues with stress and anxiety.
Hypnotherapy for relaxation
Hypnotherapy is a recognised form of relaxation therapy. It can reduce ‘stress chemicals’ and bring the body back to balance. Regular sessions ease built-up pressure and tension, helping you to learn how to look after yourself better.
The hypnotic trance is the induction of a deeply relaxed state. The mind is guided away from the troubles of everyday life and into a place of tranquillity and peace. During this process, the hypnotherapist may offer therapeutic suggestions to encourage changes in attitude and behaviour or relief from stress-related symptoms. This relaxation therapy is comfortable, safe, and considered a highly liberating experience. It’s beneficial for both the mind and body.
The key benefits thought to arise from this type of deep relaxation are:
- helping to restore and strengthen the immune system
- lowering of blood pressure
- stress relief and the lessening of chronic pain, tension headaches, back pain and migraines
- diminishing any emotional upsets and unlocking emotional blockages that can contribute to stress
- aiding concentration ability
- improving energy levels
- aiding sleep
Working with a qualified, professional hypnotherapist provides a confidential and comfortable setting in which your mind and body can be safely filtered of tension and stress, easing you into a relaxing state of mind.
Often, hypnotherapists will send patients away with post-hypnotic suggestions that allow them to induce self-hypnosis after sessions are completed.
Self-hypnosis for relaxation
Self-hypnosis is essentially an extension of hypnosis - and it can be one of the best relaxation exercises to help you keep on top of your stress levels. It can also act as a tool to help you cope with the problems of everyday living in the future. It provides a source of regular relaxation that is simple to carry out, with a range of positive effects on emotional and physical well-being.
Before attempting it, you should let others know you do not want to be disturbed. Learn more about self-hypnosis, how it works, and how it can be used alongside clinical hypnotherapy.
Free 10-minute guided hypnosis for relaxation
Interested in trying guided hypnosis, but unsure where to start? Hypnotherapist Natasha Crowe Ad Dip CP, Dip Hyp CS MNCS) guides you in this free 10-minute relaxation session audio:
Relaxation techniques
Relaxation techniques tend to differ widely in practice, philosophy and methodology. The choice of practice should depend on your specific needs, preferences, fitness level and the way you respond to stress. You will know if you have chosen the right relaxation technique for stress relief, as it will fit in with your lifestyle, and will help your mind to focus and reduce everyday tension.
As discussed before, there is no single method of relaxation that is best for everyone. Some people will benefit from therapies such as hypnotherapy, whilst others may prefer solo relaxation techniques, such as meditation or Progressive Muscle Relaxation.
Here is a guide to some popular forms of relaxation techniques:
Progressive Muscle Relaxation
Dr Edmund Jacobson developed this relaxation technique back in the early 1900s. Progressive Muscle Relaxation is a two-step process that involves tensing and then relaxing specific muscle groups. With regular practice, Progressive Muscle Relaxation is thought to provide an intimate familiarity with what tension – as well as relaxation – feels like in different parts of the body. This awareness is considered beneficial for spotting and fighting the first signs of muscular tension.
Deep breathing relaxation
Heavy and fast breathing is a symptom of the ‘flight or fight’ response that can lead to heightened anxiety levels. Deep breathing techniques can help to control this reaction. By concentrating on your breathing, the body can relax and get back into synchrony. For this reason, deep breathing is an important part of yoga and martial arts due to its relaxing effects.
Autogenic relaxation
Autogenic means self-regulation or self-generation. This technique involves the use of only your mind and motivation to tackle stress. The repetition of words or phrases in the mind is thought to help stimulate physical sensations. It also helps to slow breathing and heart rate.
Meditation
There are a number of different types of meditation. Yet all practices involve techniques to encourage and develop concentration, emotional positivity and relief from stress. Meditation helps you to learn the patterns and habits of your mind. This can lead to cultivating new, more positive ways of being.
Transcendental meditation is considered the simplest type of meditation. It involves the repetition of a single word or phrase (mantra). This allows the mind to naturally and effortlessly transcend thinking, and to experience a state of restfully alert consciousness.
Mindfulness meditation is a research-based type of meditation that originated from Buddhism. It’s designed to develop the skill of focusing on our inner and outer experiences with acceptance, understanding and patience. This type of meditation involves concentrating on thoughts and sensations of the mind and body. It’s often taught in stress-reduction programmes.
Happiful’s Hannah guides us through a simple meditation for complete physical, mental and emotional relaxation.
Visualisation/guided imagery
Visualisation or guided imagery is a variation of traditional meditation that involves the use of visual sense, taste, touch, sound and smell to achieve a relaxation response. This relaxation technique requires you to imagine a scene in which you feel at peace.
Other common relaxation techniques include:
- massage
- tai chi
- yoga
Find out more about alternative, complementary therapies that can help promote rest and relaxation.
Remember, it's not healthy to stay stressed or tense for prolonged periods. Be kind to your body and your mind by embracing relaxation as a part of your daily self-care routine.