Take a look at a dog when it's resting. Its body is free of tension, its brain has switched off and has gone into peaceful mode. Because of our stressful lives, many human beings have lost the ability to do this, so we have to relearn how.
Dr Gill Jenkins last medically reviewed this article in July 2011.
Planned relaxation calms anxiety and helps your body and mind recover from everyday rush and stress. Music, a long soak in the bath, or a walk in the park do the trick for some people, but for others it's not so easy. If you feel you need help with learning to relax, try a relaxation or meditation class. Your GP and local library will have information about these.
It's important that you make time to practise a thorough routine on a regular basis. There are plenty of resources out there to help you do this - the anxiety section lists just a few.
Relaxation is one of the most effective self-help activities for mental health. It can be a useful addition to any other form of treatment as well as being an effective measure to prevent the development of stress and anxiety, and at the end of the day to help you sleep.
Relaxation exercises can be divided into two broad categories: those for the body and those for the mind. Body-centred exercises also have an effect on the mind. Having a relaxed body may not prevent a constant flow of anxiety-inducing thoughts but it's a good basis for getting some control of them. So for best results try to combine the two techniques.
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