The Key To Relaxation

For those of you who have trouble relaxing at the end of the day due to too much stress, this may have an impact on your sleep. As a result, you may spend more time tossing and turning, rather than getting a good night's rest. Before turning to sleeping pills, try this relaxation technique: Find a quiet room and turn off the television and block out other noise. Lie down on a couch or your bed so that your body is fully supported. Make sure you are wearing the most comfortable clothing you own....your pajamas will do fine. Darken the room you are in or lower the lights at much as possible for your own comfort level. Try to stay focused on all the sensations that come from letting yourself go of the day's tension and be aware of any physical sensations in your body. Once you feel ready, you will began progressive muscle relaxation by working on one set of muscles at a time. Start with your feet by curling your toes tight for a few seconds, then relax. Continue up your legs by tightening up your thigh muscles, again for a few seconds, then releasing. You will continue to tighten and release each muscle group, all the way up to your face. Do this every evening, at the same time to get yourself into the habit of relaxing before trying to sleep. I started doing this almost ten years ago and I've taught my own kids how to do this when they are feeling stressed out over school. It really works on relaxing both your mind and your body to prepare you for a good night's sleep!