The Relaxation Response

If you ask the average American how he or she relaxes, you’ll hear about a lot of quick and easy methods. Some drink a few beers or a glass of wine and watch their favorite TV show. Some take medications like Xanax, Zoloft, or Prozac, popular anti-stress remedies. Some eat food. Others go fishing. Most of the time these relaxation strategies work. Too often, though, we don’t plan any relaxation into our busy day and Mr. Stressor dominates our thoughts. Result: stress chemicals accumulate in our bloodstream, lowering our immune response.
    
    
What is the relaxation response? It's the exact physiological opposite of the stress response – blood pressure and heart rate drop, breathing slows, cortisol and the other stress chemicals decrease, and the level of NK cells returns to normal. Our metabolism cools and a feeling of euphoria comes over us. Although it may not seem macho, guys, try taking a bubble bath – surround the tub with scented candles, play soothing music, and close your eyes. Women are smart.
            
Being rational human beings, we can choose either to relax or get stressed when Mr. Stressor appears. Granted, it’s not easy to relax in times of severe stress. But, thank goodness, we don’t face big tests every day. It’s the small stuff that gets to us, culminating in anger, irritability, upset stomachs, colds, and strained relationships.
            
Therefore, it makes sense to incorporate relaxation into your daily routine to give your body a rest and to boost your immune system. Using alcohol, drugs, food, or other similar methods to relax come with many dangerous side effects. Instead, consider the many effective ways that LifeNuts use to relax: meditation, guided imagery, prayer, yoga, hobbies, progressive muscle relaxation, zen, tai chi, and massage. You can learn more about these in the book, LifeNuts.

 

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