Learn to relax in order to lower your stress and improve your life. According to the Mayo Clinic, relaxing is a process that cuts back on the damage you do to yourself while facing everyday challenges. If you practice certain techniques to relax, you can lower your blood pressure, improve your breathing, increase the blood flow throughout your body, better deal with anger and increase your confidence in most situations. Choose a relaxation exercise like yoga, tai chi, meditation, biofeedback, guided imagery or massage, or do a combination of several.
Schedule
Make muscle relaxation a high priority each day. Plan a certain amount of time to work on relaxing and stick to it. Many people find that it's easiest to schedule it first thing in the morning before your busy life takes over, according to Helpguide.org. Do your muscle relaxation exercises at least once per day---twice if possible.
Be Fully Awake
Since relaxing your muscles may cause drowsiness, do the exercises when you're fully awake for the most benefit. Being alert while learning to relax will help you deal with stress later in the day. This is another reason to practice the muscle relaxation exercises early in the morning, after a good night's sleep.
Technique
Choose a relaxation technique that is right for you. This can be based on your needs, how you feel, your lifestyle and the level of your abilities. If the thought of a yoga pose is unsettling, you may prefer a massage or biofeedback.
Breathing
Pay attention to your breathing during your muscle relaxation exercise. When you are stressed, your breathing is likely to become shallow, and you may even hold your breath, according to the Cleveland Clinic. Do some breathing exercises to enhance your relaxation technique.
Location
Choose a quiet place to work on your muscle relaxation exercises. If your surroundings are distraction free, you'll get the most out of relieving the stress and tightness.
Comfort
Wear comfortable clothes and find a comfortable piece of furniture to relax on. You may sit or recline, depending on the technique you use. Make sure you're free from restrictive clothing that will distract you from the relaxation exercise.
Focus
Concentrate on what you are trying to accomplish. Let go of everything else in your life and allow the muscle relaxation technique to take over. Don't think about work, family responsibilities or paying the bills. This is about releasing the anxiety that those things bring into your life.
Food
Work on your muscle relaxation exercises when you're not hungry or full. It's a good idea to do it an hour before or after you eat, so you won't be digesting food or thinking about your next meal.
Afterward
Once you complete your muscle relaxation exercises, give yourself a few minutes to get back into your regular routine. Take a deep breath, stretch and exhale. Close your eyes for a minute if it helps.
