Can-Do Challenge- Tense to Relax

As I mentioned a few Sunday's ago, the next few Can-Do Challenges will be coming from a book that I bought as a result of a college class that I ended up dropping and I was unable to part with this book!

I hope that these are as helpful and beneficial for all of you, as they were for me!

Stress Free For Good, written by Dr Fred Luskin & Dr. Kenneth R Pelletier, is a book that has seriously changed my life and how I manage myself :-) I hope that you all have the opportunity to read this book, and if not, please read my posts because they really do help :-)

The third life skill written about in this book is: Tense to Relax

"When you have thoughts of good things, when your mind pictures loving scenes, your body has no need for tension and high blood pressure.  In fact, loving thoughts and the emotions of gratitude are as good for the bosy as a relaxing massage on the beach in Hawaii" (p.82).

Purpose:

~Know the difference between muscle tension and relaxation

~Be able to relax deeply and fully

Practice:

~On your 3rd deep belly inhale (more here) tighten your right arm from your shoulder to your hand and hold it tightly for 2-3 seconds
~On the exhale, relax fully and let your arm drop
~Repeat on your other arm, both legs and entire body
~As you repeat these steps, repeat relaxing affirmations to yourself

Tips:

~When you tense your muscles...really tense them and when you relax, really relax
~Remind yourself of your positive and relaxing affirmations

Application:

~Before going to sleep

~Before physical activities
~When you need to wake up
~When you are stuck in traffic

Life Skill:

"When you tense your muscles, letting go allows you to relax deeply" (102).

Again, all of this information comes straight from the book...I have paraphrased and generally it is not verbatim-I only chose a few items that have really helped me, that I hope will help you :-)