Our body is built to handle a high amount of stress, and, in some situations, stress is necessary for positive outcomes. However, the more we are exposed to stress and the less time we spend relaxing, the worse it is for our bodies. Just like a car, in order to complete the long road trip ahead, we need to take time to stop, fuel up and let our engine cool down.
Think about that feeling you get when many things are happening at once; you may start to feel anxious and overwhelmed. The relaxation response is the exact opposite, providing the body with many benefits. As we begin to “shut it down,” the following occurs:
- Our adrenaline lowers
- Our body directs more attention to the growth of tissue (bone, muscle, ligaments, etc.)
- Our immune system strengthens
- Our blood pressure, heart rate and breathing rate all decrease
Lower blood pressure is directly linked to a lower chance of developing chronic disease. A lower breathing rate is directly linked to having a more efficient flow of oxygen to increase performance in daily tasks. In addition, having a low heart rate lessens the need for oxygen to be flowing through our blood, leaving more oxygen available for the brain and heart.
An interesting study by Dr. Josipovic at New York University found that Buddhist monks, through daily intensive meditation, are able to think more intrinsically. This leads to a higher sense of awareness, the ability to avoid distractions and a clearer focus on the task at hand. Going through this intense of a meditation practice may not be feasible for the majority of us; however, it just goes to show how impactful one form of relaxation can be on our lives.
Many relaxation techniques exist that can help us reap the benefits of the relaxation response. Try several from the list below on a weekly basis to achieve a state of relaxation.
- Take yoga classes
- Go on a walk, run or bike ride at a slow, steady pace
- If you are craving a high intensity workout, do so no more than three times a week
- Spend at least 30 minutes enjoying the outdoors
- Get a massage or other spa treatment
- SLEEP
- Dedicate 10 minutes to meditation and a deep breathing practice
- Do some quiet reading
- Take a power nap
- Laugh with family and friends
- Keep your to-do list and calendar manageable