RELAXation

Happy January! Oh wait.. I'm sorry, it's April isn't it. I must have been distracted by all the snow!!!
Nope: Happy April 19th!

Relaxation is the key to a happier and stress free life!

In class, we learned about different modes of relaxation. The first one was something almost completely new to me. It was called Laughter Yoga!

This is an exercise that combines laughter with yogic breathing. Laughter is simulated as a body exercise in a group; with eye contact and childlike playfulness, it soon turns into real and contagious laughter. The concept of Laughter Yoga is based on a scientific fact that the body cannot differentiate between fake and real laughter. One gets the same physiological and psychological benefits. As a class, we were lead through a small sample of the yoga, but were very sceptical and didn't feel the benefits. We also watched a group of adults go through different parts of an actual exercise and found it strange. HOWEVER, I believe that the idea can do a great deal. Laughter is healing and truly helps de-stress a person.

There has been a lot of research on this innovative activity and here are some articles that I found:

• http://www.laughteryoga.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=5791:effects-of-laughter-therapy-on-depression-cognition-a-sleep-among-the-community-dwelling-elderly-korea&catid=89:ly-research&Itemid=280
• http://www.laughteryoga.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=5788:laugh-yourself-into-a-healthier-person-a-cross-cultural-analysis-india&catid=89:ly-research&Itemid=280
• http://www.laughteryoga.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=5692:the-therapeutic-value-of-laughter-in-medicine-alt-ther-health-med-nov-dec-2010&catid=89:ly-research&Itemid=280

Another form of relaxation that we were lead through was

guided imagery.

Guided imagery is a relaxation technique where a person either closes his or her eyes and imagines a scene that the guide leads them through or watches a screen that shows a peaceful atmospheric scene (like the one shown above). Guided imagery is closely related to meditation in the way that it is based on the concept that the mind and body are one. This technique is meant to bring a person into a very relaxed state where that can aid healing, learning, creativity, and performance. It may help you feel more in control of your emotions and thought processes, which may improve your attitude, health, and sense of well-being.

Guided imagery has also been found to lower blood pressure, reduce other stress related problems, manage pain, promote healing, and even help reach goals such as quiting smoking or losing weight.

These are some great ways to relax; especially during finals week!! :}

Here are a few other modes:

Progressive Relaxation

Combination Relaxation Exercise

Exercise

Meditation

Yoga

Breathing Exercises

Thanks guys!!

~Sarah