relax rochester

Tight muscles, sore back, aggravated attitude? These and others are classic symptoms of stress. But there are simple and effective ways to help with the pressures and stress you may feel. And they don’t cost a lot of money. For example, one way is by utilizing relaxation techniques. The one we’ll review here can be done anywhere, even your desk at work. Even better news: If you repeat relaxation exercises often enough you’ll soon recognize when tension is setting in and be able to relax in just a few minutes.

Try this activity known as progressive relaxation:

1. Sit comfortably or lie down. Keep your back straight in either position.

2. Choose a major muscle group in your body. This could be your arms, back, legs, feet, chest or face. Tighten up all the muscles in this group. Hold this position for 5-10 seconds then relax the group by releasing the tension.

Do you feel a bit more relaxed? Good.

3. Now continue on to a second muscular group. Again, choose whichever group you’d like and repeat the process. Tighten. Hold. Release.

4. Do this with all the muscle groups from head to toe.

When you’re done you should feel very relaxed. But don’t worry if you still feel some tension. With practice you’ll find you become even more relaxed every time you perform these exercises.