The Relaxation Response
The relaxation response is like a magic trick that your own body can do! It's a way to make all the muscles in your body let go of any tension or tightness that you might have, and make you feel calm and relaxed.
It's kinda like when you get really scared or nervous, and your body might start shaking or your heart beats really fast. That's called your "fight or flight" response, and it helps you to react quickly to any danger.
But when you use the relaxation response, it's like you're telling your body "hey, it's okay, there's no danger here, you can chill out now." When you do this, your breathing slows down and your heart rate decreases, and this makes you feel really calm and peaceful.
When you want to make the relaxation response happen, you can do a few simple things. First, you can find a quiet and calm place where you won't be interrupted. Then, you can sit or lie down comfortably, and close your eyes.
Next, you can start to do some slow and deep breathing, inhaling through your nose and exhaling through your mouth. You can imagine the air going in and out of your body, and feel the sensation of your belly rising and falling with each breath.
Then, you can try to focus on a peaceful word or phrase, like "calm" or "peaceful", and repeat it to yourself in your mind.
As you do this, you might notice your thoughts start to slow down and become more relaxed, and you might feel your body letting go of any tension or tightness. And before you know it, you'll be feeling super relaxed and calm!
It's kinda like when you get really scared or nervous, and your body might start shaking or your heart beats really fast. That's called your "fight or flight" response, and it helps you to react quickly to any danger.
But when you use the relaxation response, it's like you're telling your body "hey, it's okay, there's no danger here, you can chill out now." When you do this, your breathing slows down and your heart rate decreases, and this makes you feel really calm and peaceful.
When you want to make the relaxation response happen, you can do a few simple things. First, you can find a quiet and calm place where you won't be interrupted. Then, you can sit or lie down comfortably, and close your eyes.
Next, you can start to do some slow and deep breathing, inhaling through your nose and exhaling through your mouth. You can imagine the air going in and out of your body, and feel the sensation of your belly rising and falling with each breath.
Then, you can try to focus on a peaceful word or phrase, like "calm" or "peaceful", and repeat it to yourself in your mind.
As you do this, you might notice your thoughts start to slow down and become more relaxed, and you might feel your body letting go of any tension or tightness. And before you know it, you'll be feeling super relaxed and calm!