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Laughter therapy for relaxation
Laughing heartily is another very good method of relaxing. Look at the children. They are always having a good laugh and are so full of energy and zest for life. Somehow, as we grow up, we lose this ability to laugh. Neither do we laugh at funny situations, nor do we laugh at ourselves. It takes a considerable effort just to smile. A study has shown that adults do not laugh more than 5 to 6 times per day. A good laugh can increase the oxygen in the blood, reduce acidity, lower blood pressure and decrease heart rate. All this can lead to alleviation of tension and a relaxed state of mind. Why this hesitancy in having a good laugh? Let that smile reach your eyes more often. Spend time with children, read a hilarious book, watch sitcoms that tickle your funny bone or share a silly joke with people around you. You’ll be surprised to see how fast your stress melts away, leaving you completely relaxed.
Relaxation through stretching
Stress tends to accumulate in our bodies. Simple stretching exercises increase the flexibility of the body and help in relieving the rigidity and tension in the muscles. Just five minutes of stretching exercises in the morning, noon and after work, can do wonders. Taking a short walk, jogging or exercising outdoors can be very rejuvenating and a great way to beat the stress. Yoga and mild exercises like Tai Chi have slow and regular, rhythmic movements which help to loosen up the tautness in the body. They help in the release of endorphins from the brain, which have stress busting properties. They refresh our bodies and remove all the signs of frustration. These exercises are very good in relieving all the tension that has accumulated in the body through the course of the day.