Monday, November 21

UVU Wellness Quest

Stress Relief in Four Weeks - Week 3: Progressive Relaxation Exercise

You tighten naturally when you have stress which may lead to more stress. (This totally happens when I get migraines, more stress=more tightness=more pain=more stress=etc.) Relaxation can help stop the cycle.

1. Lie down.
2. Close your eyes and take a deep breath in through your nose and out through your mouth. Relax all muscles in body.
3. Start in your toes and tense all the muscles in your feet as hard as you can. Curl your toes up against your shoes. Tense your calf muscles and squeeze for 5-10 seconds. Slowly release and loosen the muscles of your feet and calves. Concentrate on relaxing.
4. Move the tension up your legs and do the same thing progressively up your body until you reach your head. Always remember to release the tighten slowly and focus on relaxing the muscles.
5. You hold your most stress in your head, neck, and face so be careful with this area and do over several times.

Release all the negative energy and thoughts from your body. Take a few deep breaths and then slowly open your eyes and at your leisure get up.

Resource: The Center for Mindfulness

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