Everybody is different and so one relaxation technique may work better for you than others. We are going to help you make that first step in taking control of your stress by giving you three examples of well-known relaxation techniques to start you off.
Breathing Exercise 1 – Control
- Take a seat in a comfy chair or lie down if that is more comfortable.
- Wait a few moments to let yourself relax into a good position.
- Place a hand on your stomach and just feel it move up and down as you breathe naturally.
- Do this for a few seconds.
- Now you are ready to start the exercise.
Keep your hand on your stomach and breathe in through your nose counting 1-2-3 slowly. Purse your lips gently as if you were about to whistle and breathe out through them counting 1-2-3 slowly. As you breathe imagine that there is a balloon in your stomach that inflates as it is filled with air when you breathe in, and that deflates as you let the air out. You can remind yourself to let all of the tension go by saying the word ‘relax’ or ‘calm’ or making an ‘ahhhhh’ sound in your head as you breathe out. Don’t gulp the air or tense up as you breathe in. Keep it natural, keep your muscles soft and your whole body relaxed. Keep your hand lightly on your stomach. Breathe in 1-2-3, breathe out 1-2-3.
Try this while using one of the Pip apps to see if it is working for you. As you sink into a deeper relaxation state the red ‘stress’ line on the Stress Tracker will start to fall, the ice will melt in the Loom and your dragon will fly higher and stronger in Relax and Race. Keep trying if you don’t get it the first time, it’s all about learning.
These are just some of our suggestions to help you get started on your mission to take control of your stress. There are lots of other relaxation techniques and you may find that one of these works better for you than others. Or you may come up with some of your own. Let the Pip guide you as you try out different techniques until you find that will melt stress away and leave you feeling calm and relaxed.