Four powerful ways to initiate your relaxation response

1. Aromatherapy

Scent is powerful and in itself triggers responses in the body.  Just imagine think of how you feel when you smell freshly baked bread or freshly cut grass compared to smelling a gas leak or a potential fire in your home?

The latter would certainly increase your heart rate.  This is due scent having a direct link to the brain through your limbic system.  By using the appropriate essential oils your psycho-psychological reactions can be influenced in a positive way.

There are many essential oils that are known for their sedative and calming properties to help induce your relaxation response…. Lavender, Neroli, Frankincense, Sweet Marjoram to name a few.

When you have a consultation with an Aromatherapist you will be given the best oils for your particular symptoms.

Your personalised blend will be gradually absorbed by your skin and the naturally occurring chemicals will have a positive influence on how your body is functioning.

If you would like more information about a personalised blend just for you contact me.

 

2. Massage

A relaxing massage is a great way to switch on the parasympathetic nervous system.

Alpha brainwave activity increases and the more relaxed you become.

This is conducive to restful sleep and it is in this state that the body’s natural healing processes kick in.

Your body begins to heal and balance itself.  Combine massage with essential oils and you have a very powerful therapy.

 

3. Exercise

Exercise not only metabolizes – burns – stress hormones that are lingering in your bloodstream but is also induces a relaxation effect. Any form of activity which causes us to ‘work up a sweat’ for at least 5 minutes triggers the breakdown of stress hormones.

Although regular exercise for longer periods is good, if you haven’t got time and you’re feeling particularly stressed,

– try running on the spot or around your office, home or garden for 5 minutes

– do some crunches or press ups

– or walk up and down the stairs a few times – whatever works for you – you will feel better for it!

 

4. Meditation

Dr Herbert Benson a pioneer in mind/body medicine and he coined the term ‘relaxation response’ in his book ‘The Relaxation Response’ first published in 1975.  The book documents scientific evidence of positive changes take place in the body when practising Benson’s technique:

a) you need a quiet environment

b) think about relaxing your muscles and letting them go

c) to avoid a ‘chattering mind’ you need to choose a positive word to repeat silently or aloud, for example, ‘one’ or ‘peace.’  Become aware of your breathing and say or think the word as you breathe out.

d) continue for 10-20 minutes.

Dr Benson re-iterates that it’s important to try and keep a passive mind and accept drifting thoughts that may enter your mind and just let them go and bring your focus back to your word.

It’s best to avoid doing this exercise within 2 hours of having a meal as digestive processes can interfere with the relaxation response.

Evidence shows that this technique induces a meditative state – the opposite to the stress response.

 

I hope this has given you some ideas for relaxation response triggers.  Feel free to leave a comment or ask any questions below.  If you would like some help relaxing please do contact me.

Until next time, take care of YOU!

Best wishes, Louisa

P.S. If stress is something you want to reduce then you may be interested in these Just Be Natural products and gift sets to help you or your loved ones ….

• • De Stress Aroma Roll On
  • Rose Geranium Essential Oil
  • Balance & De-Stress Gift Set
  • Kindness & Comfort Gift Set
  • Sweet Dreams Gift Set

 

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