How to relax the mind

In this section on how to relax the mind, I cover effective mind relaxing exercises and stress relaxation techniques, that can be used on their own, or in combination with other mind power techniques such as self hypnosis.. (If however, what you are experiencing is more like anxiety, start here.)

If you have read my previous articles, you already understand how damaging worry can be to your physical health.

Every time you angst over something that has already happened in the past, you are creating the same physiological damage to yourself –just as if the event were happening again. And because your brain cannot tell the difference between what is real and what is imagined, worrisome, what-if-scenarios about possible future outcomes, create internal stress that serves no valuable purpose. In fact, they can cause you substantial harm. Learning how to relax the mind therefore is critically important.

Mind relaxation techniques

How to Relax the Mind with Imagery

As mentioned previously, your brain treats what is real and what is imagined in the same way. If you imagine yourself in a beautiful, tranquil, relaxing place – you can reap the benefit of being there by the power of your imagination.

Identify a place you love that you find very relaxing. It can be from your last vacation, a childhood memory, even a soft comfortable room in your home. Any place you find particularly relaxing and enjoyable.

Whenever you want to relax your mind, simply close your eyes and imagine being at your favorite place of relaxation. 

Hear what you heard, see what you saw, feel what you felt. For best results, keep the sensations and images dynamic. In other words be INSIDE a movie – rather than looking at a still shot in a picture. Get as many of your senses engaged as possible.

The more senses you engage, the more dynamic the longer you will be able to keep your focus and concentration in that relaxing place – rather than on the things that were worrying you.

Relax the mind with eye positioning

When you close your eyes and focus your attention on the area in between your eyebrows it slows your thoughts down. Try it. You can use this eye position with any of the other techniques offered here. Or you can just use it with deep slow breathing. Focus on your breath going in and out, in and out. Like ocean waves, slow continuous relaxing rhythm

How to relax the mind with the two-handed stress cure.

This technique is especially effective if you are having difficulty controlling compulsive or recurring thoughts. Because there is more to it than the other simple techniques I share here, it has its own page... Read about it here.

How to Relax the Mind by Counting Backward

Close your eyes and turn them slightly upward. Turning your eyes slightly upward stimulates alpha brain wave activity. Then count backwards from 100-1. Counting backward engages the mind – but not too much.  If you get distracted go back to whatever number you remember and start from there. You will find that if you practice this technique regularly, your focus and concentration will improve. You will be able to gauge it by your ability to count down further and further.

Word of caution: Don’t get disillusioned if you have occasional dips in concentration. They can be the result of tiredness and other mind-body issues. It is the overall trend that counts.

Another way to use the counting backward technique that is a little more interesting, is to combine it with visualization.

 I like to imagine walking along a beautiful sea shore. Walking about 10 yards In front of me is a small child drawing the numbers in the sand. Before I approach the numbers a wave comes and washes it away. It is very relaxing.

More About Relaxation, Anxiety and Stress Reduction

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