Relaxation Practice

Last Update - February 13, 2000. Under construction - bookmark this page and check back often!!!

Mental stress, particularly experiences of anger in response to frustration, has as great a connection to heart attacks as obesity or cholestrol levels, according to a recent report in the Mayo Clinic newsletter

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Relaxation Technique of the Week

Breathing is one key to managing tension. Here is a very simple breathing exercise that will help you feel more relaxed. The more you practice this, the more beneficial you will find it.

Seagull breathing:

Do this to get going in the morning and increase your alertness during the day. You'll also feel it releasing tension in your neck and shoulders - its great for people who are hunched over keyboards for hours and hours at a time.

Stand with your feet slightly apart, back straight and knees flexed so that you feel grounded and well-balanced. Exhale through your mouth, puffing finally to empty your lungs. As you breath in through your nose, extend your arms to the side and lift your arms up to shoulder level, visualizing a seagull floating above the surf to let you know how to hold your arms, relaxed but strong.

Exhale slowly though you mouth, lowering your arms slightly behind where they would fall normally. Be sure to drop your shoulders and relax with the breathing out, puffing at the end to empty your lungs. Inhale strongly and slowly, visualing the seagull, using the stretch of your arms to help expand your ribcage, filling your lungs to their full capacity.

Start with only three or four repetitions of this - if you not used to breathly deeply you may feel a "rush" or get a little dizzy from the sudden increase of oxygen. Work up to ten or twelve repetitions, several times a day.

If you haven't been here before, review other relaxation tips.

Check out the relaxing Virtual Ranch

Return to the Virtual Relaxation Page

Tell me what you do to keep your stress down, at meru@vcn.com