Many of the relaxation methods are intuitive and make immediate sense.
Try this brief relaxation technique, for example. See if you don’t feel calmer,
more relaxed and clearer when you are done.
BRIEF RELAXATION
Please gently close your eyes and take three very slow, deep breaths from
your belly. At the same time, think of a relaxing scene: a vacation scene,
a pleasant scene from childhood or even your favorite color. Let your whole
body feel loose and limp. Scan your body for any points of tension. Then let
them soften and let the tension and stress wash, rinse and drain away. Repeat
the slow, deep breaths, continue visualizing the relaxing scene in great detail
and let the looseness advance.
AFFIRMATIONS
When we think positive statements, the statements become wonderful substitutes
for the negative thinking and self-talk we often do. Try one or two of these
each day for a week and see the difference they make:
- I deserve to be happy.
- I deserve to feel good.
- I deserve good things to have and to happen.
- I am strong enough to say NO to protect myself from harm and negative
influences.
- I am strong enough to maintain healthy habits.
- I am strong enough to be confident in myself.
- I am strong enough to accept positive criticism to improve my attitudes
and skills.
- I believe in myself.
- I believe that I will succeed.
- I believe in my goals.
