Relaxation for Mental Health

Tips for Using Relaxation Exercises

Try many different types of relaxation exercises to find the kind that you like the best. Try to practice whichever exercise you prefer at least once or twice a day. Expect your ability to relax to improve as you continue practicing, and expect to practice two or three weeks before you become genuinely proficient.

For best results, try to avoid eating or engaging in strenuous physical activities right before practicing relaxation exercises.

Make sure to get in a comfortable position before trying to relax. Try to lie on a bed or mat, or sit in a comfortable chair.

Adopt a calm, accepting attitude towards your practice. Don't worry about how well you're doing or about possible interruptions. Instead, know that with repetition your ability to relax will grow.

When you are ready, close your eyes, begin listening to the recording, and follow the directions. As you complete the exercise, you can expect your mind to wander a bit—when this happens you can simply re-direct your focus back to the recording.

As you become skilled with relaxation exercises, try applying them to specific situations, like tests, difficult social situations, job interviews, insomnia, and so forth.