The relaxation response

I'd love to inspire you to engage the 'relaxation response'. In our busy, ambitious, tech-filled lives, it can be difficult to unravel the stress and anxiety we experience when trying to 'do it all'. This trick is something I use whenever I feel like I need to chill out.

This 'relaxation response' (as coined by the mind/body pioneer Dr. Herbert Benson) is the opposite of the body's fight-or-flight response, and tells our brain and nervous system that we are safe. When we create this feeling for ourselves, our whole body relaxes, our breathing slows, and our blood pressure is lowered. Stress melts away and we put ourselves in the position to enjoy our lives.

It's impossible to have fun if you're stressed, so let's take a moment to check our relaxation toolbox.

Here are some ways you can engage the relaxation response, so you can get the best out of your day today:

Breathe: Try box breathing, pranayama, or just do some deep cleaning breaths. I love breathing into each part of my body for an added body-scan effect.

Smile: Trick your brain into relaxed bliss by smiling. This works even if you're faking it!

Melt: I can't describe how I do this other than 'melting'. I voluntarily relax my muscles until I get that post-massage / meditation feeling. I get a low buzz throughout my body. You can do this anytime and anywhere. It kind of feels like a shortcut but it works.

Music: Put on some relaxing music. For me as I write it's Chopin, but I've been known to put on spa music from Spotify. There are lots of gong baths on YouTube.

Flame: Lower your blood pressure and induce calm by bringing out your inner cavewoman. I love to light a candle and stare at it, and if I had a fireplace I'd build a fire instead. I often play the Fireplace For Your Home video on Netflix at this time of year!

Meditate: If you don't want to take any chances, this is a 100% forecast of relaxation. If you are new to meditation or want some tips, I write about this in my Happiness Reboot: https://jessindeedy.com/five-day-happiness-reboot

What have I missed? What other methods do you use to trigger your 'relaxation response'? Join my free Facebook Group and share your examples in the comments.