Why Do Relaxation Classes and Why in a Retreat Centre
Some individuals get their relaxation through indulging in some form of sport, or listening to music, through watching television, reading and so on, but this does little to reduce the harmful effects of tension and stress. To resist stress effectively we need to activate the body’s natural relaxation response. It is good to commence with relaxation exercises. The most efficient is through breathing exercises. This will combat the physical effect of anxiety and can reduce the symptoms of mild depression. Many individuals have a habit of breathing faster than normal if anxious, which leads to sensations of dizziness, having the effect of making you decidedly more anxious. By practicing deep breathing when you are relaxed, you should be better able to do this when you feel anxious or simply tense to assist you in relaxing.
Breathe slowly and deeply in through the nostrils, and out through your mouth using a steady rhythm. Attempt to have your exhalation twice that of your inhalation. You can assist this by counting when breathing. One, two, three, as you breathe in, and, one, two , three, four, five when you exhale.
Use your lower chest muscles for this (the diaphragm) when breathing. The diaphragm is a large muscle under the lungs. it pulls the lungs downwards thus expanding the airways to allow air to flood in. When anxious or tense we tend to breathe without using this muscle effectively. Breathing in the upper quadrant means you breathe in a much more shallow fashion and so breathe faster. Benefits of relaxation techniques include – reduction in stress symptoms by: lowering blood pressure, slowing the heart rate, reducing muscle tension and chronic pain, boosting confidence, reducing anger and frustration and slowing your breathing rate. In your relaxation retreat with us you will also undertake a wonderful musical power-nap. After your relaxation treatment, why not take a walk in the grounds or sit outside for a while, taking in the sounds of nature, and the atmosphere around you.
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