When you’re busy, it’s easy to think that tackling that next thing on your to-do list is more important than relaxing.

But it’s harder to take care of those things — or the people in your life — if you don’t take care of yourself first. You’ll have more energy and patience when you’re relaxed.

These simple relaxation techniques won’t get rid of all the stress in your life, but they can help you think through positive ways to make changes.

Deep Breathing

Focusing your awareness on breathing is an excellent way to settle your mind and relax. Breathing often mirrors your emotions, and changing your breathing can shift your attention and mood.

Learn deep breathing techniques.

Guided Imagery

Your brain often can’t distinguish whether you’re imagining something or you’re actually experiencing it. That’s why your imagination can be a very powerful resource in relieving stress and pain.

You can use guided imagery to help:

• sleep better
• reduce anxiety, fear, and panic
• manage chronic conditions like diabetes, asthma, and lung or heart disease, as well as speed healing from surgery, injury, and skin conditions
• reduce pain and the need for pain medications
• change bad habits and maintain healthy ones

Unwind with guided imagery podcasts.

Mindfulness Meditation

Children breathe from their bellies. Their bellies rise as they breathe in and fall when they breathe out. Adults, especially when they’re stressed, breathe shallowly and rapidly from their chests. When you’re mindful and keep your focus on your breathing, you can help yourself relax. Just 5 minutes can help improve your mood!

Learn how to meditate.

Progressive Muscle Relaxation

If you’re like most people, you probably carry stress in your muscles. After a while, these tense muscles may start to feel normal. Progressive muscle relaxation helps you learn the difference between how it feels when your muscles are tense and when they’re relaxed. Muscle relaxation works on the idea that whatever relaxes your muscles can also help relax your mind.

Relax your muscles.

Tai Chi and Yoga

Tai chi and yoga are traditional exercises that combine movement and meditation. They can help you relax, improve your posture, balance, coordination, and flexibility, and boost your health and quality of life.

Find out more about tai chi and yoga.

Take a Class

Explore the possible causes of your stress and learn new ways to relax.