In this section:

> Introduction
> Stress management
> Technology and stress relief
> Less Salt
> Lower cholesterol
> Healthy Snacks
> Coping with guilt
> Be more assertive
> Boost your immune system
> Tempt your elderly or frail relatives outdoors
> Avoiding back pain
> Getting the most from your GP
> Advice on prescribed drugs
> Difficult conversations
> Moving the person you care for
> Relaxation tips
> Laughter therapy

My favourite relaxation tips

Andrew Johnson, professional training provider, www.withandrewjohnson.com

Get some exercise: Exercise is an excellent way to reduce stress, however, this doesn’t mean you have to run a marathon! A gentle stroll, some stretches, even walking up and down the stairs a few times helps to wear off any excess tension and adrenaline.

Listen to music: Some relaxing background music can be incredibly effective at helping you slow your heart rate and your breathing. There are some wonderful CDs and MP3s available for this purpose. There are even dedicated internet radio stations playing relaxation music.

Deeper Breathing: Spend a little time focussing on your breathing. Notice the flow of the breath as it moves in and out. Gently move your in breath down into your stomach and as you exhale, notice that you relax a little. Take 2 minutes to practice every day and it will soon become a positive habit

Use all your senses: What makes you feel more relaxed?  What sounds? What tastes? What smells? What sights? Surround yourself with relaxing images, aromas, tastes, sounds and comforting, tactile objects.

An easy affirmation: When someone asks how you are, practice saying “I’m good”. As you say it, nod slightly as if agreeing with yourself and smile slightly.  This is a fabulous instruction to your inner mind. After a few times of saying it, you should be feeling better!

Avoid stimulants: Do your best to avoid Tea, Coffee and perhaps most importantly, avoid watching or listening to the news more than once a day!

Write it down! Get a bit of paper, draw a line down the middle. On the left, list the stressful things that you can change.  On the right, list the things you can’t change (at the moment). Change what you can and stop worrying about what you can’t.

Generate heat: Rub your hands together until they get hot. Place your warm hands over your eyes and enjoy 30 seconds of warmth and comfort.

Take some time out: When you are feeling stressed, count to ten, walk away from the situation, get a drink of water and imagine that the water is washing away the stress. (we could all do with drinking a little more water!)

Talk to the right person at the right time. Talking about your problems to everyone, all the time, keeps your worries and concerns close by.  It is important however, to discuss things with a close friend or family member. This can be very therapeutic.

Laugh: Laughing can be tremendously beneficial to our physical and emotional well-being. Remember what makes you laugh and seek it out. You can’t be stressed and laugh at the same time.

I would love to hear from you about your favourite relaxation tips and of course, if you have any questions you want to ask me, feel free to comment here