Relaxation

 Meditation was among the first relaxation techniques shown to have a measurable effect on stress reduction.
 In the 1970s, self-help books teaching relaxation techniques began to appear on bestsellers lists. In 1975, The Relaxation Response by Harvard Medical School professor Herbert Benson, MD and Miriam Z. Klipper was published. Their book has been credited with popularising meditation in the United States.
Research released in the 1980s indicated stronger ties between stress and health and showed benefits from a wider range of relaxation techniques than had been previously known.
People use relaxation techniques as shown in table 1 below.

Anger management    Headache
Anxiety attacks          High blood pressure
Cardiac health            Immune system support
Depression                Insomnia
General well-being      Pain management 
                               Stress management
Table 1: Relaxation techniques for various conditions
Various techniques are used by individuals to improve their state of relaxation. Some of the methods are performed alone, and some require the help of another person, often a trained professional; some involve movement, while some focus on stillness; and some methods involve other elements. Certain relaxation techniques known as “formal and passive relaxation exercises” are generally performed while sitting or lying quietly, with minimal movement and involve “a degree of withdrawal.” These include Autogenic training, Biofeedback, deep breathing, meditation progressive muscle relaxation, Pranayama — Yogic breathing and visualisation
Movement-based relaxation methods incorporate, exercise such as walking, gardening, yoga, Tai chi and more. Some forms of bodywork are helpful in promoting a state of increased relaxation, examples include massage, acupuncture and reflexology. Some relaxation methods can also be used during other activities, at least one study has suggested that listening to certain types of music, particularly New Age music and classical music, can increase feelings associated with relaxation, such as peacefulness and a sense of ease. Some find humor to be helpful, watch a comedy movie or a funny sitcom.
Relaxation techniques that work
Aromatherapy is a complementary therapy that may be used as an alternative to drugs and other pharmaceuticals.
Basically, aromatherapy is the use of scented oils (essential oils) and other aromatic compounds originating from plants for the purpose of affecting your mood or health. You should always check with your doctor prior to beginning an aromatherapy programme if you have existing medical conditions. Aromatherapy and relaxation are highly compatible themes. Through the sense of smell, essential oils stimulate olfactory receptor cells, which then transmit an impulse to a specific part of the brain known as the limbic system. The limbic system is connected to memory, so specific emotions can be triggered by one smell.
For example, the aroma of a freshly baked apple pie might bring back happy childhood memories. But most importantly, the limbic system is connected to blood circulation and endocrine glands (responsible for regulating hormone levels), which explains how aromatherapy can be beneficial to your health.
Aromatherapy and relaxation are not limited to inhaling odours. Essential oils, when diluted in a carrier oil, can also be absorbed through the skin. The oils can then make their way into your bloodstream, and affect your organs and entire body.
Try the Clarins Range of Treatment Fragrances Eau Dynamisante, Eau Ressourcante and Eau Ensolante for their well-being properties.
l If you have at least 10 minutes, you can enjoy a nice aromatherapy bath. To maximise the benefits, turn off the lights and light a few candles, scented or not.
Reflexology (zone therapy) is an alternative medicine method involving the practice of massaging, squeezing, or pushing on parts of the feet, or sometimes the hands and ears, with the goal of encouraging a beneficial effect on other parts of the body, or to improve general health.
Reflexology is a science which deals with the principle that there are reflex areas in the feet and hands which correspond to all of the glands, organs and parts of the body. 
Stimulating these reflexes properly can help many health problems in a natural way, a type of preventative maintenance.  Reflexology is a serious advance in the health field and should not be confused with massage.
However, traditional massage can also alleviate stress by reducing tension in the body and promoting an overall sense of well-being.
l Give yourself or ask your partner to give you a massage.
An easy massage technique that is perfect for stress relaxation is to sit upright on a comfortable chair. Rest your fingers on the top of your head and place your thumbs behind your ears. Make circular motions with your thumbs to massage your scalp.
If you tend to accumulate tension in your neck, bring your left arm in front of you, and across your body. With your right fingertips, push into your shoulder and neck muscles while making circular motions.
Switch arms and repeat with the other side
Pilates is an innovative system of mind-body exercise evolved from the principles of Joseph Pilates. Pilates dramatically transforms the way your body looks, feels and performs. It builds strength without excess bulk, creating a sleek, toned body with slender thighs and a flat abdomen.
It teaches body awareness, good posture and easy, graceful movement.
Pilates improves flexibility, agility and economy of motion. It can even help alleviate back pain. Professional dancers have known the benefits of Pilates for decades. Top athletes use it for strength, flexibility, and injury prevention. Hollywood celebrities and supermodels use it to maintain beautiful physiques. Pilates gets your mind in tune with your body. By emphasising proper breathing, correct spinal and pelvic alignment, and complete concentration on smooth, flowing movement, you become acutely aware of how your body feels, where it is in space, and how to control its movement. The quality of movement is valued over quantity of repetitions. Proper breathing is essential, and helps you execute movements with maximum power and efficiency. Last but not least, learning to breathe properly can reduce stress.
Yoga refers to traditional physical and mental disciplines originating in India. The word is associated with meditative practices in both Buddhism and Hinduism. In Hinduism, it also refers to one of the six orthodox schools of Hindu philosophy, and to the goal toward which that school directs its practices.
Major branches of yoga include Raja Yoga, Karma Yoga, Jnana Yoga, Bhakti Yoga, and Hatha Yoga.
The Sanskrit word yoga has many meanings, and is derived from the Sanskrit root yuj, meaning “to control”, “to yoke” or “to unite”. Translations include “joining”, “uniting”, “union”, “conjunction”, and “means”. Outside India, the term yoga is typically associated with Hatha Yoga and its asanas (postures) or as a form of exercise.
l Go and exercise for a few minutes. It doesn’t have to be difficult. You can try Pilates, yoga or even go for a walk around the block. Any type of exercise will promote the release of endorphins, which are hormones that make you feel good. Pick a type of exercise you love and have fun with it. You can also focus on your breathing.
 When you get stressed, you don’t normally breathe as deeply and you don’t get the right amount of oxygen. You should try to get your breathing as deep as possible by getting the air to fully fill your lungs and expand your diaphgram. To make sure you are breathing deeply, put a hand on your stomach. You should feel it move when you inhale.
The following are relaxation ideas and techniques you can try to reduce, anytime and anywhere, the level of stress in your daily life:
-DON’T multitask. Simply focus on one thing and get it done. Everything will be more enjoyable and you accidents are less likely to happen.
-Close your door and sit in absolute silence for anywhere from 30 seconds to five minutes. Concentrate on your breathing.
-Learn to practice meditation. It’s scientifically proven to reduce stress.
-Watch a sad movie and cry your eyes out. Oddly enough, releasing tears is a great way to let go and relax.

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