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Breathing To Reduce Stress

When prehistoric humans were in danger of attack, their breathing became shallow as they prepared to run or fight. Today, we still have the same stress response. When modern tensions build, deep breathing counteracts the stress response. Deep breathing is a great natural stress releaser anywhere, any time.

Sitting or lying down, breathe in slowly through your nose, thinking "in." Let the air escape slowly through pursed lips, thinking "out." Do deep breathing for two minutes or more. To increase relaxation, imagine breathing in ocean air or the scent of flowers.

TENSION HEADACHES

Self-Care Tips That Work

Tension headaches can often be relieved by using these techniques:

 
• A warm shower or bath, or heating pad.

   

• Lying down in a dark room with feet up and a cool wash cloth over your eyes.

   

• Ice packs applied to the back of the neck.

   

• Massage. Do it yourself or ask someone else to deeply massage your neck, shoulders and scalp.

   

• Relaxation training. Tense, then relax different muscle groups. After going through each body part, you finally relax your whole body.

©1989 PARLAY INTERNATIONAL

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