The Value Of Relaxation

by Andy Smith

Regular, deep relaxation will help you on a number of different levels:

Physical: relaxation activates the parasympathetic nervous system, which counteracts the effects of the stress response by reducing the level of arousal in the body; muscles loosen, breathing and heartbeat slow down, blood vessels may dilate, and the digestive system acts more efficiently. Regular relaxation gives the body an opportunity to heal itself and strengthens the immune system, allowing the effects of chronic stress to dissipate.

Emotional: relaxation allows panic, anger and anxiety to drain away, to be replaced by a sense of stability and well-being. Everyone is familiar with the draining effects of these negative emotions; as relaxation reduces the intensity of these emotions, our inner resources and sense of self become stronger.

Mental: one of the characteristics of stress is that everything clamouring for our attention assumes equal importance, making it hard to know what to tackle first, and even harder to concentrate on any one thing. Relaxation allows us some distance and perspective on our lives, creating the space in which clear priorities can emerge. As thoughts slow down, and the mind becomes dreamy and detached, we begin to access the resources of the right brain - the creative, intuitive, non-linear part of our minds. This part can often come up with solutions to problems that defeat our logical thought processes.

Spiritual: relaxation provides the detachment from everyday concerns that allows us to realise what is really important in our lives; to observe thoughts, emotions and physical sensations without judging; and to have the time and space just to be, without doing. Without the distractions that normally crowd our minds, we can discover and accept who we really are.

How often do you take some time, just for you, to relax deeply?

21 minutes of soothing ambient music, as I talk you through relaxing each part of your body and gives you some empowering suggestions...

Now also available in MP3 format for instant download!

A delighted purchaser writes:

"Just to let you know, I have purchased another of your Relaxation CD's via the website! I have a client who was suffering really badly from a Health Anxiety and who was in need of a good relaxation tool to help her to keep it under control.

I have to say that your CD is the best relaxation product I have ever heard so it was a natural choice for me to give to her and I have no doubt that it will 'do the trick'. I bought one for myself last September and use it very regularly.

"What makes it the best? Well, other relaxation tapes / CD's that I have heard assume that you can visualise images and, as we know, not everyone is good at that. Your recording, however, can easily be adapted to the listeners own representational system - just by listening!"

Joan Callaghan www.joancallaghan.com

Click here to buy it now