Any of the relaxation and meditation techniques, such as mindfulness meditation, autogenics, progressive relaxation and stretching, will relieve stress. Find the technique that works best for you by trial and error and stick with it.

Meditation is something very few really understand. It involves Quieting The Mind. The less sensory input, the better - Total Darkness, Total Quiet, Total Lack of Sensory Input. Many would say this would drive them crazy, that is a distinct possibility, since it is something we are not accustomed to. The fact is, it must be approached with caution and discipline.

In the meditative state one also becomes Super Aware of everything, far from being asleep they are totally Awake. The trap and flaw of many meditation techniques is they require conscious effort which is completely counter-productive, only those that incorporate removing all conscious effort and desire should be considered.

More information on meditation can be obtained from our meditation site.

Breathing

Breathing exercises are the simplest path to inner calm. Fifteen minutes a day can achieve a significant reduction in your stress-related symptoms. Breathing is one function that is controlled by both the voluntary and involuntary nervous system, forming a bridge between our inner and outer selves. There are a number of relaxation techniques that focus on breath control. One, a good sleep inducer, involves focusing on the area below the navel. Sit quietly, watching the breath as it goes in and out of your abdomen. Do this for five to ten minutes. Breath is the most natural object of meditation and an easier focus for attention than thought. If you find yourself having disturbing thoughts, instead of trying to stop them, try to simply move your attention back to your breath.

The Progressive Relaxation exercise is particularly good at bedtime. Lie down and take several deep breaths. Then breathe in slowly as you tense the muscles in your feel Hold your breath and the tension for a count of 20. You may not make it to 20 at the beginning.) Then, slowly breathe out, releasing the muscles until they are totally relaxed. Repeat the process with your calf muscles, and work your way up, finishing with your facial muscles. Close with a few more deep breaths. Unless, of course, you are already asleep.

For more details, visit our yoga website or Pranayama, the science of breathing. You will see detailed coverage along with specific breathing techniques.

Meditation, Biofeedback, and Neurofeedback

Meditation, biofeedback, and neurofeedback are all powerful techniques for training the mind to distinguish between false alarms and signals of true danger. More directed in their approach than conventional psychotherapy, they tame the restless mind, helping you to deal with stress, anxiety, and insomnia. They help to promote relaxation and balance on a levels--mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual-which is the starting point for all healing. Biofeedback is covered separately, in detail elsewhere.

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