| It is a hectic world and everyone is wanting to | | | | that you want to be when you can't be, can be |
| learn relaxation techniques. As everyday | | | | very soothing. |
| pressures continue to increase, learning to relax | | | | Quiet Ears |
| has become increasingly difficult. Today, using | | | | In this technique, you have to tell your body to |
| natural techniques is a preferred approach by | | | | relax by physically forcing quiet into your body. Lie |
| many, as many people are leery of turning to | | | | on your back or whatever position is comfortable |
| medical assistance. There are several natural | | | | and close your eyes. Put your hands behind your |
| techniques of relaxation; there is no "one way". | | | | head and place your thumbs inside your ears |
| You need to find the one that works for you, and | | | | closing the ear canal. A high-pitched rushing sound |
| stick with it. | | | | will occur, this is expected. Shut out everything |
| Guided Imagery | | | | else. Your arms will relax by themselves and you |
| Guided Imagery is exactly what it says it is. | | | | will eventually fall asleep. |
| Imagine that you are in an extremely peaceful | | | | White Noise |
| place. Many people joking refer to this as the | | | | White noise is commonly known as white sound. |
| "happy place", but that is essentially what it is. | | | | Since it utilizes many frequencies of sounds from |
| First you need to lie down and close your eyes | | | | high to low and back it has what is known as a |
| and think of the "happy place". Select a place that | | | | "masking" effect. The noise itself will appear like a |
| you love being in. It could be a white sand beach | | | | whooshing noise and it has been likened to the |
| with beautiful sea breezes whipping around you, | | | | sound of rain or wind in the trees. Studies have |
| or a grassy picnic in the mountains, it can be | | | | shown it to be extremely peaceful as it is a |
| anything and any place you want it to be. It does | | | | sound derived from nature. You can purchase |
| not have to be someplace you've been, it could | | | | White Noise CD's or noisemakers through your |
| even be someplace you want to be. Your | | | | local bookstore or retailers online. |
| imagination is your limitation. While you are | | | | These are just a few relaxation techniques you |
| imagining yourself there, pay attention to every | | | | can try on your own, there are so many out |
| sound, smell, warmth, feeling, sensation. Envision | | | | there. These are based on the same principles as |
| yourself in that place and try to relax. Use this | | | | exercise does. Time and practice is required to |
| place as often as you need to and whenever you | | | | use them effectively. |
| want to. "Pretending" that you are somewhere | | | | |