Feel Like Relaxing - Part One

Obviously my counsellor thinks I'm stressed

Can't think why

But some of them are so good I gotta share with any other stressed parents

The 1st One is all about Deep Breathing.

When we concentrate on our breathing, the deep breathing allows the rest of our body to slowly relax by itself and get every part of us into sync.

Start by lying on your back
Then slowly relax
Through your nose if possible, inhale slowly, filling the lower part of your chest first, working to the middle and up to the top part of the chest and lungs. Take your time and make it last over 8 - 10 seconds.
Hold your breath for a couple seconds
Then quietly relax and let the air out
Wait a few seconds then repeat
If you at any time feel any dizziness, then slow down as you may be overdoing it

Try imagining yourself in a peaceful  "happy"  place for example you are on a warm and gentle sea, as each wave of the gentle swells rises you, inhale and then exhale as you sink down into the aftermath of the wave.
Continue the deep breathing technique for as long as you like as you gently fall asleep


This 2nd one is a Progressive Relaxation.

Again lie on your back with your eyes closed
Wiggle your feet and sense their weight, Relax the feet and feel them sink into the bed
Next your knees, sense their weight then consciously relax the knees and let them sink into your bed
Feel your upper legs and thighs, again feel the weight, and then relax them and feel them sink into the bed
Moving onto your abdomen and chest, be aware of your breathing, will them to relax and as you deepen your breathing slightly feel the abdomen and chest sink into the bed
Feel your hands, flex then relax them, feeling them sinking into the bed
Move up to your upper arms, sense their weight, relax them and feel them too sink into the bed
Next your shoulders, tense them then let them go and feel them relax into the bed
Your neck, sense its weight and feel it relax into the bed
Your head, again sense the weight and feel it relax into the bed
Now Your Face
Starting with the mouth and Jaw, relax, paying special attention to the muscles of the jaw, and unclench them if you need to. Feel the mouth and jaw relax into the bed
Next your eyes. Concentrate and sense if there is any tension in and around your eyes, Relax your eyelids and let them drift closed and feel the tension slide away from the eyes
Feel your face and cheeks and feel the tension slide off into the bed
Mentally scan your body, if any areas of your body still feel tense, flex and relax and let it sink into the bed
You should feel totally relaxed and able to drift off