10 Ways To Calm Your Body
Calming your body is important for managing stress and promoting overall well-being. Here are 10 ways Fortius Physiotherapy’s Tania Mannella, DPT can offer for you to try to calm your body:
1) Deep Breathing:
Practice deep, slow breathing to activate your body’s relaxation response. Inhale deeply through your nose, hold for a few seconds, and exhale slowly through your mouth.
2) Progressive Muscle Relaxation (PMR):
Progressively tense and then relax different muscle groups in your body. This technique helps release physical tension and promotes relaxation.
3) Mindful Meditation:
Engage in mindfulness meditation to focus your attention on the present moment. Pay attention to your breath, sensations, or a specific point of focus to promote relaxation.
4) Warm Bath or Shower:
A warm bath or shower can help relax tense muscles and create a soothing environment. Consider adding calming scents like lavender to enhance the experience.
5) Guided Imagery:
Use guided imagery to visualize peaceful and calming scenes. Imagine yourself in a serene place, and focus on the sensory details to create a calming effect.
6) Gentle Stretching or Yoga:
Practice gentle stretching or yoga poses to release tension and promote flexibility. Yoga also incorporates breath control, which enhances relaxation.
7) Listen to Calming Music:
Create a playlist of soothing and calming music. Listening to music with a slow tempo can have a calming effect on the body and mind.
8) Aromatherapy:
Use calming scents like lavender, chamomile, or eucalyptus. You can use essential oils, scented candles, or diffusers to introduce these calming scents into your environment.
9) Mindful Walking:
Take a slow, mindful walk to connect with your surroundings. Pay attention to each step, the sensations in your body, and the environment around you.
10) Limit Stimulants:
Reduce or avoid stimulants like caffeine, especially in the hours leading up to bedtime. Stimulants can contribute to heightened arousal and make it harder for your body to relax.