Each week now in my Power Chi Yoga we spend 10 minutes at the end of the session to slow our breathing, relax our minds and use visualization to make us feel more relaxed and help to relieve stress and tension. Power yoga with its intense poses is great for those looking for stimulation as well as relaxation.

We lead such busy lives, but it so important to find some time each day if possible to unwind and relax, if only for 10 minutes. No one can avoid all stress but you can help to counteract it by learning how to produce the relaxation response. When the relaxation response is activated your heart rate decreases, breathing becomes slower and deeper. your blood pressure drops or stabilizes and your muscles relax. Find the right relaxation technique for you, one that fits your lifestyle. You could try a visualization scene where you drift off to a restful place. Find a quiet environment, get comfortable and find a point of focus. Do not worry about distracting thoughts going through you mind, do not fight them, just bring your thoughts back to your point of focus.

  1. When you exercise, focus your attention on your breath
  2. Breathe in a scent like roses or coffee, something that makes you feel good
  3. Squeeze and then release tense parts of your body
  4. Focus on the present rather than the past
  5. Visualize in detail a scene that makes you feel peaceful
  6. Listen to music that calms and lifts you up.

When you find the correct technique to suit you, it can really help you relax, but also can help to boost your energy levels and mood. Why not give it a go?

Bev x