introducing relaxation: a study of relaxation techniques
DESCRIPTION
introduction to relaxation techniques. Used with Y11 School students.TRANSCRIPT
Introducing Relaxation
A study of relaxation techniques
DefinitionRelaxation is …..
‘a state of mental calm and focus, free from
unnecessary bodily tension.’
Why do we need to relax?
How do you relax?
Stress!!When you’re stressed, your body turns
on the stress response.
What are the causes of stress in our lives?
Common triggers of stress:Conflicts at school or homeMajor life changesNot enough timeNot relaxingTaking things too seriously, and refusing to
accept the inevitableTrying to please everyoneUnhealthy living
The relaxation responseThe best way to counteract stress with no
known side effects is to regularly bring about your relaxation response !
The effect of using relaxation techniques where stress is reduced and your body and mind are in a state of being deeply relaxed.
Stress response
Relaxation response
When your RR is activated, the following changes take place in your body and mind:- Your muscles relax- Your blood pressure goes down- Your breathing slows down- You use less energy
The stress – relaxation seesaw
Relaxed
Stressed
Using relaxation techniques & activities can help you find balance in
your life if you’re too stressed
You can achieve relaxation in 2 ways:
Using Relaxation techniquese.g. meditation, progressive relaxation
Doing Relaxation activitiese.g. taking a bath, going for a walk
Mr. Wilkinson and his mates !
3 components of a relaxed lifestyle:
Attitude
Techniques Activities
Components of
relaxation
Physical (body)
Psychological (mind)
Holistic (Spirit)
Remember: spirituality does not require a religious belief!
3 dimension
s of relaxation
Overview of relaxation techniques:Body techniques:- Progressive
relaxation- Breathing exercises- Physical exercise- Yoga- T’ai Chi- Qigong- Biofeedback- Massage and self-
massage
Mind techniques:- Meditation
(mindfulness)- Guided imagery- Self-hypnosis- Cognitive
behavioural techniques
- Music- Problem-solving
techniques- Humour- Music
Spirit techniques:- Gratitude and self-
compassion- Connecting with
others through socialising or a shared interest
- Prayer, meditation, chanting and singing
- Volunteering, showing kindness to others and being generous
- Reflecting on your own inner thoughts & feelings and writing them in a journal
- Forgiveness
Religious roots of YogaOriginated in ancient India
with a view to attain a permanent state of peace of mind in order to experience one’s true self.
Various traditions of yoga are found in Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism.
Major aspect of Hindu philosophy, and the word ‘yoga’ is used to refer to one of the 6 orthodox schools
Hatha YogaBecame popular in the west in
1980’sDeveloped for reducing stress
and improved overall wellbeing
Relaxes both mind & body at the same time
Trains your mind to be focused & allows you to be grounded in the present moment
Around 16 million American practice yoga
Massively Popular
Yoga calms me down. It’s a therapy session, a
workout, and meditation all at the same time!”
Jennifer Aniston
Russell Brand
says he's
"happier than
ever," thanks to
yoga and
meditation.
Yoga …By practising all the various aspects of yoga,
practitioners claim to experience a deeper sense of peace and tranquillity.
It includes:- physical stretching- breathing exercises- meditation- physical exercise- mindfulness
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rar9VsYy8Tg
Sneak Preview
3 types of yoga. You choose…Yoga for stress relief
Yoga for fitnesshttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q5nyrD4eM64
Yoga for beginnershttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xPr4g7o46DY
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rar9VsYy8Tg
T’ai Chi & Qigong (the weeks after)
Originate from ChinaInvolve co-ordinating gentle physical
movements and Deep breathing with awareness.
The flowing movements with your breathing cause you to focus in the present moment and let go of
concerns about the past and worries about the future.Considered to be ‘meditation in
motion’