Practice Relaxation Techniques 2

Healthylife® QuitWell™

Part 4

Image of man relaxing while reading a book.

Use relaxation techniques to manage daily stressors.

Plan Relaxation Time

Plan time during the day to relax. You can also do relaxation exercises as needed during the day. Practice these techniques before, during, or after trigger activities (like eating or talking on the phone).

Relaxation techniques can help reduce stress-related health problems, such as high blood pressure, headaches, and pain. These tools also help you to have greater physical and mental control. This helps you get through times when you may have had a cigarette or other form of tobacco/nicotine in the past.

How the mind can control the body:

*  It can slow brain wave patterns.

*  It can reduce heart and breathing rates.

*  It can increase blood flow to the limbs.

*  It can relax muscles.

Think about the rest of today. When can you spend 10 minutes relaxing? Here are a few ideas of times you can practice relaxation:

*  Break times when you would usually be on your phone, checking apps or scrolling mindlessly

*  While drinking your morning coffee

*  Winding down for bed in the evening

*  Walking the dog or playing with your pet

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine