How To Relax Your Body And Ease Your Mind In Under Ten Minutes

Progressive muscle relaxation is a simple psychological technique that has been scientifically proven to help people relax their bodies and ease their minds in a short period of time. It is often used as one of many methods to help people who suffer from conditions such as depression and especially anxiety disorders. However, your problems don't need to be serious enough to warrant the need for a psychologist visit in order for progressive muscle relaxation to help you. These few simple steps can give you a sense of calm and relaxation throughout your body whether you deal with panic attacks or just want some peace at the end of the day.

This is actually somewhat of a meditation technique, but don't let that scare you! It is a simple and effective one. Begin by getting in a comfortable positon. Sitting in a chair or lying down is recommended. Be aware that there's a chance you will fall asleep if you allow yourself to fully relax, especially if you're sleep deprived. This is natural and not a bad thing, unless perhaps you're doing it on your lunch break or before class. By being aware of this, you will be able to keep yourself awake. Your environment should be comfortable temperature-wise. It doesn't have to be dark, but there should be no bright lights shining toward you. Try to avoid noise distractions.

Close your eyes. Begin to breathe deeply in through your nose, and out through your mouth. Do this for a few moments, until you feel "settled in". Just focus on your breathing. When you are ready, tighten every muscle in your feet as hard as you can until it just begins to hurt (or count to ten, whichever you prefer), then immediately relax all of those muscles at the same time. After a few seconds, clench your calf and shin muscles as tightly as possible until they just start to hurt, and then instantly relax them.